LaGrange postponed Friday night’s game with county-rival Troup until Saturday in the wake of a car crash that claimed the life of Traveion Cole, a junior defensive back on the team.

Cole, 17, was killed in a one-car accident around 7 p.m. Thursday, according to LaGrange police. The driver and another passenger were injured.

‘'As a coach, nothing can prepare you for the loss of an athlete,'’ defensive coordinator Burton Thomas posted on his Twitter account. "Friday nights are going to be a lot tougher without Trae Cole on our sideline. He was a great player and an even better kid.''

Cole returned a punt for a touchdown last week in his final game, a 38-7 victory over Spencer.

LaGrange, under first-year coach Matt Napier, is 6-2 and headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and its first winning season since 2009.

About the Author

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com