In this season of a lifetime, Greenville High School football coach Jeremy Williams is hoping to lead his team all the way to the state championship. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is following the fortunes of this undefeated squad – and its courageous coach, who is battling a debilitating disease – as they go for No. 1. In tomorrow’s paper, you can read part 3 of this exclusive and inspiring series.
Excerpts:
Part I: The first symptom of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, appeared in Coach Jeremy Williams’ thumb. As a player in high school, and later in college, Williams had experienced all the usual nagging pains that come with the game. This time, however, the pain wouldn’t go away. During the next 18 months, he began feeling numbness in both arms from his fingertips to his elbows. Soon, the muscles in his forearms began deteriorating.
"It progressed to the point where you could see bones in his hand and arms because the muscle structure was going away,” remembered the team’s defensive coordinator: “We just kept praying that it would be something the doctors would be able to cure."
But there is no cure.
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Part II: In the second half of last Friday’s first playoff game, Greenville scored two quick touchdowns and never looked back, winning 25-0 and improving its record to 11-0. Greenville High – and its beloved coach – get to play another day.
As the two teams exchanged post-game handshakes, the losing coach had tears in his eyes as he handed the game ball to Williams.
He gave Williams a big hug.
“I love you, coach. You have a great team, and you’re a great man. We’re praying for you.”
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Part III: For years, folks in Greenville were pretty nonchalant about the Greenville High School football team. But this season, the small town has rallied around the undefeated Patriots and their inspiring coach.
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