For the fourth straight year, Hall County first responders took home the winning trophy from the Battle of the Heroes charity flag football game. They defeated the Banks and Habersham County combined team on the field, but it was what they accomplished together off the field that matters.
Through the teams’ participation and support – and that of local businesses and community donors – the game Saturday night in Mt. Airy raised over $24,000 for the Easton Foundation. The foundation exceeded last year’s fundraising efforts by thirty percent. The money will go to help youth in the community with back-to-school items, Christmas gifts for the underprivileged, scholarships for college-bound students and additional help in other times of need.
“I just want to say thank you to our entire community who supported us by donating, attending and bringing their local businesses to our game,” says Easton Foundation President Casey Lizama.
The 9th Battle of the Heroes flag football game played out under the lights at Raider Stadium on August 6. Uncooperative weather delayed kickoff by an hour but the game went on and so did the evening’s fireworks. Another hallmark of this annual event is the opportunity it provides to recognize different members of the community. Lizama believes the game’s honorees are a true reflection of what the foundation represents.
Joseph York, better known as ‘Coach Joe,’ served as this year’s grand marshal. He was recognized for inspiring student-athletes and the community.
“This man right here, he means the world to Raider Nation and Habersham Central High School and the Raider football team and he means the absolute world to me,” said foundation chair Glenn Ingram as he introduced York at halftime. “We are so honored to have him out as the grand marshal tonight.”
Another highlight of Saturday’s event, says Lizama, was seeing the smile on Habersham Central High School band director Ryan Dukes’ face when he was presented with his own jersey from the game. Dukes, who is retiring near the end of this school year, has been a big supporter of Battle of the Heroes through the years.
The Easton Foundation was established in 2012 shortly after its namesake Easton Singleton died in a car wreck. Singleton’s friends established the organization in his memory to help other teens cope with pain and loss and to encourage young people to connect with their community and become leaders.
