25 Years Later: 'Remember The Titans' Movie Anniversary To Be Marked

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandrians still "Remember the Titans" who won the 1971 state football championship, and part of the reason is the movie about it. Alexandria City Public Schools will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Disney's "Remember the Titans" movie on Friday evening with some original team members.

"Remember the Titans" honors the 1971 State Championship Titan team that came out on top despite racial tensions in the city with public school integration. The school was then known as T.C. Williams High School and was recently renamed Alexandria City High School. Head coach Herman Boone was portrayed by Denzel Washington, and Will Patton played assistant coach Bill Yoast.

"The impact of Remember the Titans is still felt every day in Alexandria City," ACPS said in a statement. "A scholarship is awarded annually in honor of the team, and their story continues to guide our work around equity, leadership and resilience. Our current players are not only aware of the legacy they’ve inherited—they’re inspired by it."

IN REMEMBRANCE:

• Herman Boone, 'Remember The Titans' Coach, Dies
• Julius Campbell, 'Remember The Titans' Player, Dies
• Petey Jones, 'Remember The Titans' Player, Dies

ACPS anticipates 40 of the original 77 players and four of the five surviving coaches will attend Friday's celebration cohosted with Comcast’s Xfinity. There will be a community tailgate event from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the high school's main gym and a pre-game tribute and commemorative football game at 7 p.m. against John R. Lewis High School at Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium.

Others attending include ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Alexandria City School Board members, ACPS leadership, ACPS Executive Director of Athletics James Parker, 71' Original Titans Foundation leader Bob Luckett, ACPS students, staff and families, Comcast regional vice president of government and regulatory affairs, Misty Allen and others from the Alexandria community.

Parking is available in the garage next to the school. For visitors entering the school building, enter through door 1 and provide a valid ID to security.