Kickoff time for the 10th Battle of the Heroes has been pushed back to 7:30 this evening due to the threat of bad weather.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for Banks, Bartow, Cherokee, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White.
Organizers are still planning to move ahead with the charity flag football game if the weather permits.
Check the Easton Foundation Facebook page for future updates.
A summertime tradition
This charity flag football game has become a summer tradition in Northeast Georgia. It pits first responders from Habersham and Banks counties against public safety personnel from Hall County.
Proceeds from the event go to support the Easton Foundation—a nonprofit formed in 2012 in memory of Habersham Central High student-athlete Easton Singleton who died in a car wreck. The Foundation helps youth in crisis and supports scholarships so they can further their educations.
This year organizers of the event are honoring one of their own, paying tribute to former team captain Richie Alford.
Alford was a retired Banks County firefighter and Cornelia businessman. He passed away on June 15 while attempting to rescue two swimmers while on vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida.
“Richie was always the coach figure bringing a spark to the team, hyping everyone up, and encouraging unity between both teams on the field and in the line of duty,” says Easton Foundation President Casey Lizama. “He would give the shirt off his back for anyone and was one of the most genuine and caring people.”
Game plan
The Battle of the Heroes will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on August 12 at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy. Admission is by donation only. Vendors will be selling food and merchandise inside the stadium.
The Foundation will honor Alford’s family with a special presentation at halftime.
“We hope our entire community will show up to support our great vendors, local youth, and first responders and honor a man that served his community with kindness unlike any other,” Lizama said.
The Foundation announced it will dedicate all future Battle of the Heroes halftime ceremonies in Alford’s honor.
Fireworks and volunteers
After the game, stick around for the fireworks show. Organizers are promising “bigger fireworks than ever before.”
The crowd may be bigger than ever before, too.
Last year’s rain-delayed game attracted over 30 vendors, nearly a thousand fans, and the Habersham Central High School Band of Blue. More fans are expected to fill the stadium this year.
On-field ceremonies during the event will include the “Richie Alford Circle of Honor,” recognizing all local fallen first responders.
To make a donation or learn more about the Easton Foundation, visit eastonfdn.org.
