Those who lost their lives that night were returning home from an away game against East Carolina University. The plane crash devastated the town, the families involved, and - of course - Marshall University's football program. The film starring Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox focuses on how the university, its supporters, and the community dealt with the loss of 75 people and how they struggled to rebuild the football program while still in mourning.
The buzz has it that Lost star Matthew Fox may be looking at acting honors for his portrayal of Coach Red Dawson in We Are Marshall. The real Red Dawson opted to drive home that fateful night and his decision saved his life. Following the loss of so many of his friends and players, Dawson stayed with the Marshall University football program for just one more year, helping new coach Jack Lengyel (played by McConaughey) rebuild the squad from the ground up before leaving coaching behind forever.
We Are Marshall heads for the end zone on December 22, 2006.
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