Centennial Football Team Joins Fight Against Cancer

Published October 25, 2013

Members of the Centennial High School football team are doing their part to help in the fight against cancer. Ten hours after playing a hard-fought game on the gridiron, the players used their brawn to help unload 12,000 pounds of pumpkins.

It happened October 5 at the Cooper Trooper Pumpkin Patch in Cool Springs. The pumpkin patch is an initiative of the Cooper Trooper Foundation, which supports families of children diagnosed with pediatric cancers. The foundation is named for Cooper Cook, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at eight weeks old. Proceeds from purchases benefit families with pediatric cancers.

“We are here today to understand the value of working for an important cause," said CHS Football Coach Brian Rector. "Working to unload these trucks and set up the pumpkin patch is another opportunity to learn about the importance of teamwork and to fulfill our team’s mission of courage, commitment and character."

With the help of the Centennial volunteers, the two trailer trucks were unloaded in two hours. In past years, it took eight hours to unload the trucks. The players say they were more than happy to be part of such an important cause.

“Cancer is a hard struggle," said Centennial Junior Davonte Walker. "I’ve experienced it in my own family, and I want to help other families in need.”

The Cooper Trooper Pumpkin Patch will be open through October.