MERIDIAN —
Some things are just bigger than football.
Saturday morning, Joseph Micah Redmond died in a single-car accident in Ellisville. Redmond was a recent graduate of Clarkdale High School. He played football, soccer, baseball and tennis. However, most of all, Redmond was a friend.
Lamar High School running back Corey Skinner was close friends with Redmond and said he will play the remainder of the season for his fallen friend. Skinner was one of the pall-bearers Tuesday during Redmond's funeral.
“I'm definitely going to dedicate the rest of this season to Micah Redmond,” Skinner said. “I'm going to get a patch made with Micah's number on it and wear it for the rest of the season.
“Me and Micah played football all the way up from peewee, through junior high, to high school. He was an amazing player, always a big motivator. He was always like the coach on the field. He's definitely going to be missed.”
Skinner knows his friend is watching him as he prepares to continue his already stellar season. The Raider running back has given much to be proud of, as he has rushed 83 times for 635 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Skinner and the Raiders will have a tough test Friday night, as they host Jackson Academy at 7. The 4-0 Raiders will look to continue their success and are putting an extra emphasis on practice to get ready.
“It's going good so far,” Skinner said. “We have a tough team this week, tougher than we have had all season. We have been doing things a little differently, working a little harder. I look forward to playing hard with everybody.”
Numbers will not be on the Raiders side, as JA suits up nearly three times as many players as Lamar. Still, Lamar head coach Mac Barnes said his team will not be fazed and is ready for JA.
“They'll dress out 73 and we'll dress out 25,” Barnes said. “The big issue is going to be depth.
“We beat them in 2006 and 2007, so it's not like we don't think we have a chance, but just from the sheer size of schools, it would be like in the public schools, 1A playing a 5A.”
Due to the added importance of limiting mistakes on defense, Barnes said he plans to use Skinner more at the linebacker position while still relying on him on offense. Skinner, however, does not feel any added pressure.
“It's nothing really different from last year,” Skinner said. “I had to play both ways last year. I will probably get a little tired, but I just have to play through it.”
Friday's highly-anticipated game is sure to bring a large crowd. However, Skinner said he will be playing for the one person not in attendance, as he looks to honor his friend and make him proud on the field.
“There is no doubt he is up there,” Skinner said. “He will be watching us Friday night.”
Sports
More than a GAME
Skinner playing for something more against Jackson Academy
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