ATLANTA — It was heartbreak for Manchester High School’s football team Monday night as they took the field in the championship game while grieving the loss of a player who was found dead this weekend.
Investigators have not said how 17-year-old Brandon Smith died.
As Monday’s championship game began, the two captains from Manchester High School carried the jersey of number 52 to center field for the coin toss.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“We hope that they can just get through the heartbreak that we just experienced,” said Michelle Guthrie.
Monday’s game came just a day after the body of 17-year-old lineman Brandon Smith was found in an alleyway near his grandmother’s home.
He was last seen Thursday and his family filed a missing persons report Saturday.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Fishermen were cited for catching 88 fish over daily limit. Now, the fish will go to family in need
- Ga. high school football player killed by hit-and-run driver while trying to rescue dog, police say
- Murder suspect identified as inmate accused of stabbing YSL co-defendant multiple times
As investigators look for answers, on the field Brandon’s teammates fought hard. At one point, down by two touchdowns, they rallied. But it wasn’t enough to pull out a win.
Coach Stephen Holmes fought back tears after the game.
“I just told them it’s a stepping stone to greater things,” said Coach Holmes.
Investigators from Manchester Police are working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on the case.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
IN OTHER NEWS:
©2023 Cox Media Group
