Watch The Akron Holy War

The Akron Holy War is a documentary film that depicts the long-standing rivalry between two high school football teams from Akron, Ohio – the Archbishop Hoban Knights and the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish. The movie is directed by Anthony Fanelli and follows the two teams during the 2016 football season, leading up to their highly anticipated match-up.

The movie begins by introducing the history and culture of high school football in Akron, Ohio. Football is considered a religion in the area, and the rivalry between Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary is one of the most intense in the state. The film provides insight into the community's obsession with high school football and the deep emotional connections that people have with their teams.

The narrative follows the two teams as they prepare for the most important game of the season, which is dubbed 'The Holy War'. Throughout the movie, we see the intense training and preparation that both teams undertake in preparation for the big game. We can see the physical and psychological strain that the players go through, as well as the dedication of their coaches and support staff.

The filmmakers also capture the behind-the-scenes drama of the schools' athletic programs, including recruiting, coaching changes, and disciplinary actions. The personal stories of players and coaches are woven through the film. We see the sacrifice and hard work that goes into building a winning program, as well as the struggles the participants face outside of the football field.

One of the key themes that the movie explores is the intense pressure that high school athletes face both on and off the field. Football is shown to be a way out of poverty and a means of earning a college scholarship for many young players. However, the pressure of being in the public eye at such a young age, combined with the expectations of parents, coaches, and community members, can take a toll on the players' mental health and well-being.

The movie also addresses the challenges that teenage girls face playing sports. We see the struggles and barriers that Michelle Agnoni, the Hoban kicker, faces. Michelle is a talented athlete who wants to play college football but faces prejudice and skepticism from peers and coaches who believe that football is a men's sport.

Throughout the movie, the conflicts between the two teams and their supporters are highlighted. The Holy War is one of the most intense rivalries in high school football, and the film presents both sides of the conflict. While the rivalry is deeply rooted in the two schools' Catholic identity and history, it is also fueled by the intense desire to win.

The Akron Holy War is a well-made documentary that captures the drama, intensity, and passion of high school football in America. The film highlights the pressures and sacrifices that young athletes make, as well as the impact that sports can have on a community's identity and culture. The movie is an emotional roller coaster that takes the viewer on a journey of triumph and defeat, hope and disappointment, and the power of sports to bring people together or tear them apart.

In summary, The Akron Holy War is a must-watch for anyone who is passionate about football, sports in general, or is interested in examining the role of athletics in American society. It is a moving, engaging, and thought-provoking movie that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.

The Akron Holy War is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.