DOWNTOWN — The plight of injured Santa Monica football player Cody Williams has caught the eye of a local independent documentary filmmaker.
Williams, who suffered a catastrophic spinal injury during Samohi’s first game of the season, will be featured in the upcoming documentary, “Gridiron Heroes,” directed by Andy Lauer. The film features Chris Canales, who was paralyzed in a high school football game and now travels the country working with other players who suffered a similar fate.
“The film is geared toward kids overcoming [injuries] and getting on with their lives,” Lauer said. “Or like Cody and his fight to walk again.”
Williams has shown progress since the initial injury. He has regained most of the movement in his arms and has sensation in his lower extremities. Doctors have told his family that it will take months before a final prognosis can be made.
Lauer, who lives in Santa Monica, first heard of Williams’ story through the Canales family. He read the various reports about Williams’ situation and thought it would make a nice addition to his film, which he hopes will shine light on the touchy subject of major injuries in high school football and the effects they have on the young men who suffer them.
Lauer said that the film crew will be shooting in and around Santa Monica through the upcoming weekend. He plans to cap off the project by taking Williams back to the Samohi campus for the first time since the injury.
St. Monica topples Malibu<p>
The Mariners boys basketball team won for the second time this week with a 50-46 win over nearby Malibu.
The win improved St. Monica’s record to 8-6 overall. Next for the Mariners is a tilt against another local team. St. Monica will host Brentwood Jan. 11 at home. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Samohi boys hoops takes on Mira Costa<p>
The Vikings and their 8-5 record travel to Mira Costa today at 7 p.m.
Samohi defeated Redondo 71-43 on Wednesday night and continues to tune up for the upcoming Ocean League season which begins Jan. 13 against Morningside.
