THE MIGHTY OAKS
A 104-minute documentary chronicling the rise of lacrosse in Morgan Hill and the community that was born from it.
Where to Watch
Join us for the premiere of The Mighty Oaks at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. This special screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers and members of the Live Oak High School lacrosse team.
Additional screening dates and locations will be announced soon.
About the Film
In Morgan Hill, California, a small but determined group of parents and young athletes set out to build something from the ground up—a thriving lacrosse community where none had existed before. What began as a grassroots passion project soon grew into a full-fledged movement, culminating in the creation of both boys' and girls' high school varsity programs.
The Mighty Oaks follows the boys' high school varsity team through the 2024 season, as the original players who helped establish the program in 2015 take one last shot at a championship. But beyond the wins and losses, the film dives into the unique personal stories that shape this extraordinary team. From overcoming obstacles to chasing dreams, each player's journey is woven into the fabric of a team that is about more than just the game—it's about resilience, friendship, and a shared sense of purpose.
Through on-field battles and heartfelt moments off the field, The Mighty Oaks captures the essence of what makes team sports so powerful. It's not just about the final score—it's about the personal growth, the lasting bonds, and the unbreakable spirit of a community that dared to believe in something bigger than themselves.
When I set out to make The Mighty Oaks, I thought I was telling the story of a lacrosse season—one filled with wins, losses, and the pursuit of a championship. But as the journey unfolded, it became something much more profound. This film is about the power of community, the lessons of team sports, and the resilience of young athletes who took it upon themselves to build something lasting.
Against the odds, these students transformed a small local youth lacrosse program into a thriving high school sport, creating opportunities for both boys and girls to compete at the highest level. Their story is not just about competition; it's about growth—about learning the value of teamwork, challenging oneself, and understanding that losses and setbacks shape character just as much as victories.
As a former youth athlete and an action sports television producer for over 25 years, I have witnessed firsthand how sports can shape young people into strong, determined individuals. Making this film was not without its challenges, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The friendships formed and the relationships built throughout production are as lasting as the lessons learned on the field.
My hope is that The Mighty Oaks resonates with anyone who has ever been part of a team, who understands that sports are more than just a game—they are a foundation for life.
— Brendan Harty/Director
Film Details
Run Time
1:44:41
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Audio Format
Stereo
Language
English
Age Advisory
Contains some profanity
Debut
April 10, 2025
Official Trailer
Get a glimpse into the journey of the Live Oak High School lacrosse team and the community that rallied behind them.
Meet the Team
Executive producer Brad Ledwith is known as "the godfather of Morgan Hill lacrosse." He discovered the sport in 2015 when his twin sons took an interest. Tired of commuting to San Jose for practices, he decided to establish lacrosse programs for boys and girls in Morgan Hill. From the very beginning, he recorded games, practices, and team interactions. Just as his film, The Mighty Oaks, was born from that footage, a new community came to life from the sport he helped introduce to his friends and neighbors.
Brad is the founder of Ledwith Financial Wealth Management and works as an LPL Financial Advisor. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PRACTITIONER™, a certification that represents over 500 hours of study and testing to attain. He has been a business owner helping advise clients with their financial needs since 1998 in Morgan Hill.
Brad served on the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Board for three years. He is an active member of Morgan Hill Rotary Club and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International for his contributions to the organization. His network is extensive. Listening to his wide variety of clients to provide individualized service has helped Brad build community.
A three-sport varsity letterman (football, baseball, and basketball), Brad earned an athletic scholarship to play baseball and pitch for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In 1989, he was part of a championship team that won the college World Series. Brad never played lacrosse but gained an interest when the San Jose Stealth played after a hockey game in the 2000s.
Brad has been married to his wife, Aimee, for 25 years. They have four children: Ben, Nolan, Brooke, and Hudson. Their love of travel has led them to visit destinations all over the world. An avid golfer and admitted sports junkie, Brad has been to 49 states and 27 countries. He also enjoys collecting and sipping wine as well as collecting lacrosse cards.
Growing up in New Hampshire, skiing and playing sports in the rugged Northeast instilled in Brendan a deep love for the outdoors and a passion for storytelling that captured the intensity of athletic competition. This passion led him to Keene State College, where he honed his craft as a filmmaker. Studying in the shadow of Ken Burns and his Florentine Films, just down the road, he was inspired by the power of documentary storytelling. The generous mentorship of Keene State's film professors further shaped his creative vision, reinforcing the belief that great storytelling is built on curiosity, dedication, and commitment.
With over two decades in the action sports industry, Brendan has built a distinguished career as a producer, director, and storyteller. His work captures the drama, emotion, and human spirit that define sports. His wide array of experience includes the icy slopes of World Cup skiing and snowboarding, Summer and Winter X Games and the high-stakes tables of ESPN's World Series of Poker. Through a dynamic and innovative approach, he has played a key role in shaping how these sports are broadcast, celebrated, and remembered.
Brendan's expertise extends beyond live events. As a director and producer of sports documentaries and feature films, he has traveled the world crafting compelling stories for NBC, CBS, ESPN and other major platforms. His documentary Rise of the Sufferfests offered a groundbreaking look at the global phenomenon of obstacle course racing, blending deep research, immersive storytelling, and cultural analysis to explore why millions willingly embrace mud, pain, and endurance.
Beyond content creation, Brendan is a sought-after industry professional, helping sports brands and organizations refine their production strategies. His leadership in managing production teams ensures seamless execution, whether in live broadcasts or cinematic storytelling. With an unmatched ability to blend action, emotion, and narrative, Brendan Harty continues to push the boundaries of sports media, bringing audiences closer to the heart of competition and the athletes who define it.
Clay Delauney has photographed and directed numerous award-winning television shows, commercials, music videos and short films.
His work embraces a balance of vivid, high-concept stories with dramatic character arcs and distinguished visual diversity with his language of the camera.
He also has a fiery disdain for triangle-cut sandwiches.
Reviews & Endorsements
"A story about hard work, teamwork, and resilience, leading to an understanding that winning isn't just numbers on a scoreboard, but a mindset and ability to overcome challenges and difficulties in life."
Mark Turner
Mayor of Morgan Hill
Photo Gallery
