An Eagle In The Sky

Life is filled with the unexpected and the unexpected came to the doorsteps of the Clinton High Eagles football team. One of their players Jasper Rodgers collapsed after practice earlier this week and later died in the hospital.

Jasper was the most noticable guy on the team. Being 6'6, 300 pounds will get you noticed. But those who know him would describe him as someone who loved life and loved his team. He didn't play much but he would always show up for practice and enjoy the company of friends and his family. No one knows why God took him to heaven they just know he will be missed on Earth.


These kids had to grow up fast and they did. Knowing they had string of games they took time to pay tribute to their fallen comrade. Their actions said that our friend may be gone but he is not forgotten. So they suited up and for at least a few hours they were able to be kids. They were able to let their minds go free. They were able to do what they loved to do and that's play a game. It didn't matter if they won or lost. They just wanted to play because Jasper would have wanted them to play.


And play they did. With heavy hearts they played with pride. With dignity. And with honor. In the end the Eagles won the game. The score didn't matter. The only thing that matter was a group of kids coming together in spite of the circumstances. I'm sure Jasper was watching and he probably had big smile on his face.