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.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC