Practice Squad: Go Hard or Go Back Home!

A short sports drama written by Phillip Buchanon, directed by Clark Birchmeier and starring Wesley Price and Edward Gant.

First of all (with the intention of helping viewers have a better understanding regarding what this film is about), the author of this review would like to explain that a practice squad (as a title card states at the beginning of the film) is sometimes referred to as a practice roster and it consists of a group of players who are signed by a sports team but are not part of the main roster. They are active in professional gridiron football and can be released during the season. Concentrating now on the plot. The story focuses on Brandon (Price), an American football player, who is in the practice squad and trains hard, hoping that his opportunity will come. Supported and encouraged by his coach (Gant, who is the scriptwriter's brother) and his friends, Brandon is determined to succeed for his family.

This six-minute short does not have much of a narrative, which is not a bad thing, as what it focuses on the efforts and struggles that the young protagonist goes through, training hard on the field, listening to his coach's advice, overcoming injury and pursuing his dream of becoming a sports star. Buchanon was a player for the National Football League and it was this project that led to the creation of N.I.L.ionaires, another short film about American Football that was reviewed by the writer of this review. N.I.L.ionaires was also written by Buchanon and directed by Birchmeier and has music by Brandon Crear.

Price delivers a decent performance as a youngster who is facing challenges that professional athletes face. Determined, he carries on, confident that success will come. Gant is his coach who believes in him and motivates him.

This short provides an insight into the world of professional athletes, revealing the struggles that they must deal with and the drive that they require in order to fulfil their ambitions. Additionally, this is a story about self-esteem, motivation, support, having dreams and pursuing them and overcoming obstacles.

Buchanon has other sports stories in mind and intends to create a TV series in the future. Taking under consideration how inspiring this short film is, Buchanon's future projects are things to look forward to.