Teammates focus on hit-and-run victim ahead of big game
KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WTVD) -- While many people focused on Duke versus UNC Thursday night, another football team was gearing up for big game of their own.
In September, the Knightdale Dragons, with the Pop Warner program, lost 13-year-old Keith Jones to a hit-and-run driver.
Jones was hit right near his house while waiting for the school bus. He loved football and his team is getting ready for one of their toughest games yet.
Saturday's game against the Winston-Salem Vikings could take them to nationals if they win. This is the same team they lost to right after they went to Keith's funeral.
"It's still so fuzzy, I can't even remember that day," said Bernarr Wiegers, one of Keith's coaches on the team.
"To be honest with you, we should not have played that game," said Head Coach Darrell Thomas.
This time, when the team faces the Vikings, the coaches and the players will be wearing Keith's number, 12, on their sleeves and socks hoping for a win in his honor.
"This team has been through a lot all year with losing K.J.," said Thomas.
K.J. is what he called Keith Jones, who was the smallest player on the team, but is described as having the biggest spirit. As the Dragons hit the field Thursday night to practice, they know Keith would have loved to be there with them running drills in the cold under the lights.
The driver in Keith's hit-and-run death has since been charged and now Keith's teammates are healing and leaning on each other.
"They've come back and inspired us coaches and parents," said Wiegers.
"We're like family now I guess," said fellow teammate Anthony McNair.
McNair said he and his teammates now play for Keith. His face lights up when he says he also plays for Keith's mom, who is still a big part of the program.
"She's a strong woman, a strong mom," said McNair.
Game time against the Vikings is Saturday at noon at Garner High School. Coach Thomas said this time the team is focused and ready for a game that could take them to nationals if they win, which they plan on doing.
"I know Keith is going to be looking down with angels wishing he could get on that field, we're going to bring home that 'W' for him," said Thomas.
You can also support the Knightdale Pop Warner Football program by making a donation. It's still a young program, only three years old. Organizers are always in need of donations for things like field upkeep, uniforms and post-season travel, for example if they make regionals or nationals.
You can donate at this site: http://www.gofundme.com/KnightdaleMidget14.
Separately, the program is also planning to start a memorial scholarship in Keith's name. This scholarship will be available to children who want to play in the program but may not be able to afford to play. Organizers say his mother will be part of this memorial scholarship and in choosing the future children this will go to.
