Fresno, California –A city known as the agricultural hub, where undocumented immigrants, gang violence and poverty are prevalent – it’s an unlikely place to find five Hispanic teens playing the elitist sport of rugby. However, this is the true story about a group of teens who escape the harsh realities of their environment and find solace on the rough rugby field.

This clash of cultures is fused by a spirited, Irish American rugby coach, who gives these teens a purpose to advance from a hard life – working the fields and living in poverty to playing on the field. He teaches them to excel in areas that they never they could – academics, sports and an incredible drive to further their education and explore the world.

These are the Rough Riders from Roosevelt High School

Lobos – forced into early manhood to care for his invalid mother and a houseful of siblings

Joaquin – flamboyant, artistic, but trapped by his own insecurities

Alby – resourceful, irreverent, lives out of his BMW, souped together with scrap car parts

Ricky – balancing his love of learning, romantic interest and the need to work the fields

Ne-Ne – an artistic virtuoso who risks his life by tagging

In the game of Rugby, instead of a touchdown, points are scored with a “TRY.” The odds were stacked against these kids from the get-go in both life and in the game. They learn the life lessons of team sports: camaraderie, responsibility, tenacity. Most importantly though, from the coach and this strange game, the Roosevelt Rough Riders learn that while life never guarantees you a win, you can’t beat the odds unless you TRY.