Fort Dorchester football stands tall in flood

Photo By Senior Airman Daniel Hughes | Fort Dorchester High School Patriot Football team huddles during their game walk through Oct. 8, 2015, at Bagwell Stadium, Charleston, S.C. The Patriots coming off a shortened practice week last week and only being able to practice once this week due to flooding. The historic flooding, which has caused damage, destruction and death throughout South Carolina, has been the result of record-setting rainfall during what was considered a 1,000 year rain event delivered by Hurricane Joaquin as it went up the East Coast. The local Charleston schools have been effected by the flood by having families being displaced from their homes, school being canceled and many roads being closed. The game Friday night between Fort Dorchester and Summerville is a cross town rivalry as well as a great place for families to come and enjoy their hometown teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Hughes)  

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

10.08.2015

Story by Senior Airman Daniel Hughes 

1st Combat Camera Squadron         

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. - The boys of fall train for any weather, except for record-breaking rain totals that have flooded most of South Carolina.

South Carolina experienced extreme amounts of rain starting Thursday, Oct. 1 and continued into Monday, Oct. 5. This didn't stop the Fort Dorchester Patriot Football team from suiting up and traveling to West Ashley High School, to play the West Ashley Wildcats one day earlier than scheduled, due to inclement weather.

“The Wildcats wanted to play on Thursday!” said Senior Football Captain John Simpson. “I have never had to play on a Thursday, I have always played on Friday. This team is ready to play any day.”

The Patriot football team is 7-0 on the season and starting regional play this week against the 2-5 Summerville Greenwave, which is a big crosstown rivalry. But the flood has evened out the playing field not allowing either team to practice and casting doubt throughout the week that the game could even be played.

“This game needs to happen!” Patriot Head Coach Steve LaPrad said, “It will give the communities a sense of normalcy, which is worth a lot in a time like this.”

The flood has displaced many families throughout the communities. Many families have lost homes, cars and other loved possessions. In many communities, football would be an afterthought, not here in Charleston, South Carolina. Football is burning in these young men’s hearts.

“I don’t think the flood did anything to our football team,” said Junior Defensive Lineman Khalib Katz. “I think the football team is stronger than the flood!”

The game is scheduled for its normal 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Fort Dorchester High School.

“Some fans are going to have to find a different route to the game,” LaPrad said. “I know they will be there cheering on the Patriots as we take the field.”

• Date Taken: 10.08.2015
• Date Posted: 10.09.2015 13:37
• Story ID: 178588
• Location: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US