"Amazing scholars and standout seniors. Everybody knew them. Just outstanding young men."
The first football game for E. E. Smith High School since losing three of their own in a single-car crash was held at South View High School, and there was an emotional tribute to the players who would have participated Tuesday night. Standing shoulder to shoulder, there was a unified team entrance for both football teams as they honored the lives of Nicholas Williams, Trevor Merritt, and Jai'hyon Elliott.
"Amazing scholars and standout seniors. Everybody knew them. Just outstanding young men," said E.E. Smith High School Principal Larry Parker.
Parker told ABC11 that it has been a heavy week for students as they have had to come to grips with this unbearable loss. The game, originally scheduled for Friday, was postponed to Tuesday night.
"I would say the first day was a numbness. It was an eerie quietness in our school with the children just trying to figure out why," he said.
A large crowd attended the football game. Before it started, a special ceremony was held honoring the lives lost, starting with a moment of silence. The victim's families were visibly moved by this tribute as South View High School presented tokens of support in the form of custom football helmets, gift baskets, shawls and remembrance plaques. A proclamation from the City of Fayetteville was also issued.
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"He's going to forever be in our hearts," said Lillie Davis, who is Elliott's grandmother.
Elliott affectionately called Davis "Nana." She was overwhelmed by the show of support.
"Just amazing. It makes me want to jump up and scream. I'm trying to keep my composure. I can lay right there on that 21 right there," she said.
Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy was in attendance along with school board members. Family members of the three teens proudly wore tribute shirts with their loved one's photos on them.
Gary Garner was Trevor Merritt's mentor. He recalled the last conversation the two had just days before the accident.
"Just talking about football and him being excited about the last game he had and how many tackles he had," Garner said. "He was doing good as far as academics. He was just excited about being a senior."
Their tragic deaths are affecting many communities across the Sandhills, but in the wake of this horrific tragedy, E.E. Smith remains 1,800 Strong.
"We'll never be the same. This will affect them for the rest of their lives," said Parker.
Category: General Sports
