A historic high school football team that inspired an acclaimed Denzel Washington movie returned to their alma mater in Alexandria, Virginia, for a heartwarming homecoming Friday night.

This fall marks the 25th anniversary of the film “Remember the Titans,” which was based on the true story of the T.C. Williams High School football team that integrated in 1971 – breaking barriers and winning a state championship. Alexandria City Public Schools teamed with Comcast – NBC4's parent company – to bring together members of that team and current players from the school, now named Alexandria City High School.

“One of the best feelings I could ever have, to see all of those brothers that stood side by side with me as we unified and went into battle against other high schools,” said Avery Morton, an original Titan.

The special reunion brought together a group of 40 original players, coaches and cheerleaders to watch the current team hit the gridiron against John R. Lewis High School.

“I was on junior varsity, and at the end of my junior varsity season, coach [Herman] Boone moved me up to play with them, so I had the opportunity to watch them play during regular season and then join them during the championship rounds,” said Wayne Sanders, president of 71 Titan Foundation. “And again, it was an honor and a presence just to sit out there in the stands.”

Friday’s game was more than a trip down memory lane for the original Titans. It was an opportunity to share what they learned in the ‘70s with the teen athletes on the field.

“As a team, we unified with one another, and as long as we do that, then they can find out that they can accomplish anything that they put their minds to do as long as they work together,” Morton said.

Administrators say those lessons will lead to a big win for current students off the field, as well.

“I think in the times we’re in, it’s important for all of our students in this community and communities around the world to recognize that that film is timely, because we are talking about times where our students need to learn unity and community and also about resilience,” Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “In Alexandria, we have what we call a heart campaign, and it’s just about being kind and recognizing others that are being kind.”

A scholarship is awarded in honor of the original Titans every year.