Washington Team to Challenge Permian Panthers

Thursday night will be no ordinary game for the Bethel Braves: sure it's halfway across the country in a place where football is like a religion - but for these players, it's also a chance to celebrate a second chance at life for one of their own.

"This trip means the world to me."

Starting Safety Christian Booth is lucky to be at Ratliff Stadium for this trip - he's lucky to be walking at all.

5 Weeks ago he fell almost 3 hundred feet while hiking bringing him close to death...his teammates never left his side.

"I was hospitalized in Oregon and they were in Washington so it's a 3 hour drive for players," said Booth.

Miraculously, he recovered at an amazing rate - able to make this senior trip with his team.

He won't be hitting the field Thursday but he'll still be there.

"After that we were like ok, Permian is a big deal too but we almost lost a brother so we're playing for him now so that's a big motivator," said Quarterback, Justin Hordyk.

"The coaches instill in us that we have to overcome adversity and work hard regardless if the circumstances are becoming difficult or not," said Inside Linebacker Shawn Santomassimo

This it's time adversity in the form of the Permian Panthers.

"Texas football is rough football."
"They're a powerhouse football team."
"Friday night lights."

"It's awe inspiring when you come in here there's a lot of history and a lot of culture that's happened here and it's a privilege and an honor for our team to be able to come down here and be able to play again," said Santomassimo.
Despite their awe and admiration for Permian and West Texas, they say they're here to work - not for themselves but for each other.

"I'm here for them like they were here for me and we are a brotherhood," said Booth.

The game will be Thursday night at Ratliff Stadium.

You can call the Ector County school district for ticket information.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Washington
• Bethel
• Braves
• Christian
• Booth
• Ratliff
• Stadium
• Permain
• Panthers
• High
• School
• Football
• Friday
• Night
• Lights

[bboybrok3nwing]

@Mavsfan4222 39 to 21

[Mavsfan4222]

they lost 39 to 19 to the panthers

[frwyguy]

focusing on football sure does a good job of getting your mind off all of the corruption.