NORCROSS, Ga. — A special tribute is planned for a local high school football player who suddenly died over the weekend.
Norcross High School football coach Keith Maloof said 16-year-old Isaiah Banks showed a lot of heart and leadership on the field. Maloof said it would only be right to honor his memory.
“Fine young man. Always very helpful,” Maloof said.
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For Maloof, there aren’t enough kind words to describe Banks.
“Right before practice he would be the first one dressed out walking out on the field, pulling the dummies, getting the offensive line drills ready for his teammates,” Maloof said
According to Maloof, Banks was a model athlete who was always the first on the field and first to help his coaches and teammates.
Sadly, the 16-year-old’s bright future suddenly ended.
This weekend Banks died at his home. The cause of death was not released.
“His mother called us and told us he passed at home. Not anything that is football related,” Maloof said
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In a statement the school district said in part:
“…all of us at Norcross High School are deeply saddened by this news as the loss of such a young, promising life touches all of us.”
The school plans to honor Banks at the football team’s game on Friday.
“It’s been a tough week for our kids and our families and a learning lesson for these young men that life is short and that we have to cherish every day that we are on this earth,” Maloof said.
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Maloof said there also will be a moment of silence Friday and that the players will wear special stickers on their helmets to honor Banks.
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