Beckman remembers a friend

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There may not be a more important touchdown in Beckman‘s season than the one that came in the first quarter of its season opener on Thursday.

With the pregame focus on Kenny Wilson, the 16-year-old junior lineman who collapsed and died on the first day of practice, Beckman had an emotional few minutes. First, the defense held Artesia. Then, with the ball on their own end, Beckman running back D’Amato Tyson reeled off a 64-yard run. A couple of plays later, Tyson scored from 10 yards, giving Beckman a 7-0 lead.

Wilson was remembered before the game with a moment of silence, and his parents took part in the coin flip.

The Patriots lost in overtime, 18-15. But they scored right away, and they played hard to the end. That’s they way Wilson has been described, as a player who gave his best. That is the essence of sport.

- Martin Henderson