Football is a sport of passion.
Those who enjoy it, follow it and even, to use an overstated phrase, “live and die it,” are often reminded just where in life football ranks.
Two recent local incidents involving local football players have served just as that type of reminder to all of us who enjoy this pastime.
Last month, the life of Bethlehem Christian Academy player Myles Plemmons changed forever.
Plemmons’ mom, Tina, died recently and on Friday, Sept. 18, she was laid to rest. Later that evening after speaking at his mom’s funeral, Myles suited up for the Knights and stepped onto the football field. His mother was honored that night at Knights Field and everyone in attendance had a heavy heart for this young man.
All those who know Myles have credited him for the way he, as well as the rest of his family, have handled the tragic situation.
The ability to speak at his mother’s funeral, during what had to be an emotionally numbing experience, is something everyone has admired and respected Plemmons for.
The football field has served as somewhat of a sanctuary for Plemmons, along with school and church. This type of event never leaves your mind, but Plemmons has shown a level of inner courage that only a few possess.
The BCA sophomore will continue to help lead the Knights through the remainder of the 2015 season.
He still has plenty of road in front of him in terms of athletics and academics and those areas helped him push on, along with the support of family and a long list of friends.
“To see his maturity and the way he has handled things is nothing short of miraculous,” said his coach Lance Fendley.
Athletic teams often talk of being like a family and Myles’ BCA family has been there for him.
“Our kids have made sure he is OK in everything he is doing and helping make sure he is on the right path” his coach said earlier this week.
Plemmons’ situation was just one reminder right here at home of how football should always be kept in its proper perspective.
Last Friday night the outcome of the Apalachee High School-Loganville High School game was decided. The Red Devils were going to win. That was not in doubt.
As the final seconds ticked down, the AHS offense ran a simple running play. All the players involved got off the field until everyone noticed one remained.
One player, Wildcat senior Jonah Willard, did not get up. Even though there were technically four seconds on the game clock the officials did the right thing and simply declared the contest was officially over. For several minutes, Willard lay on the same spot. He was obviously in pain although there was no indication what was wrong. Teammates, trainers from both schools and AHS coaches stood nearby. One AHS supporter led those gathered in prayer.
Willard was then taken from the stadium by ambulance and everyone still on the field hoped for the best.
By Sunday morning, things had improved greatly for the standout player. He was back home and his father, David, the play-by-play radio announcer for the team, said his son should be able to return to the field this season.
Both incidents involving two of our local high school football players show that football, while certainly an enjoyable part of life, is not life itself.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
