SANDERSVILLE, Ga. — We often say that 'it's bigger than sports' when moments on the field or the court transcend the win or loss on the scoreboard at the end.
This was the case for Chase Everett, a Brentwood School senior who's mother passed during his final football season. He said the rest of the year was for her.
For Everett, the football field was an escape.
"It hasn't been the easiest season but getting out on the field makes it a lot better," Everett said.
For number 20, year four has been about honoring the number one woman in his life, his mother Shannon.
She passed away from colon cancer this fall. Head Coach Brent Brown said it wasn't just Everett's family that had a loss — it was Brentwood.
"I lost my dad in 2005 to cancer, but I was in my mid 40's when I went through it. I can't imagine what it was like for Chase and his brothers and sisters," Brown said.
Everett has dealt with the pain by representing the Blue and White.
"I mean just being with my brother's basically, it just helps me get through it," Everett said.
"He showed up everyday for practice. I think he missed one practice during her final two weeks. Her funeral was mid-week and he played on Friday and played lights out," Brown said.
Everett's teammates rallied around him and honored Shannon in their own way, choosing to wear her initials into battle every Friday night.
"It means a lot because it means the team is playing for my mom, playing for a purpose," Everett said.
It's another indicator that life can be bigger than the game. Just ask number 20.
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