It’s not about the journey, it’s about the people you meet along the way. The entire high school football space has had plenty of talents who have come and gone and have managed to change the lives of so many around them. Take Michael Jerkins Sr. as an example. He was an assistant coach at Houston Academy and helped out the camp in every way possible. From teaching the kids the basics to motivating them and being a father figure. Jerkins passed away due to cancer, but the impact he left on the Houston Academy roster is going to linger around for years.

So, just like we brought you that news a few days back, today, we have another inspirational story. Kenneth C. Kirchhofer, Director of Golf for PGA, took to X to share an emotional story about a high school athlete he had met. “Almost thirty-five years ago, my senior year in high school, I was selected to play linebacker in an All-Star football game at Villanova University, just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A freshman from my high school that year had a terrible spinal cord injury…… He sadly passed a few years ago,” Kenneth mentioned.

Eddie Washington was the guy who had suffered a spinal cord injury. The entire game for which Kenneth was picked as the LB was supposed to act as an offset for Washington and his medical costs. The school had taken this initiative to provide secure backing to Eddie’s family, who, in Kenneth’s words, were “poor & not having much.”

While Eddie has passed away, the impact he left on the community is something Kenneth and the people have still not forgotten. “Always with a smile, upbeat, positive attitude, despite being a quadriplegic,” Kenneth mentioned.

The game was a success, and the earnings went a long way to help out Eddie. This incident also reminds us that you should always lend a hand to people. Supportive friends and compassion are qualities that can change someone’s life. Both Eddie and Jerkins are now in a better place. However, with much sadness, we also have to note that these 2 people weren’t the only supportive figures the high school football space has lost.

Tragedy at Allen Park

Car crashes have taken multiple lives this year, and unfortunately for Allen Park High, it took away one of their promising student and player. Bear Sports Network on X, mentioned, “We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Allen Park’s Alan Rodgers.” Alan Rodgers lost his life in a fatal car crash.

He had a promising future as one of the players on the roster and as an aspiring photographer. Many teachers and people in Allen Park High had mentioned that Rodgers was an amazing kid who was always curious. May his soul rest in peace as well.