Community, team honor students

ALBEMARLE, N.C. -- Kickoff Friday night at Albemarle High School was more than just a football game, it was a an opportunity for the community to heal after a violent crash killed three students this summer.

“Even though they can’t be with us here now, eventually we’ll meet up with them,” said Kelsie Sellers after she and other students released hundreds of blue, white and black balloons just minutes before the football game.    

On July 25, Tevis Swaringen, Justin Cowen and Andrico Lilly were killed when the Mercury Marquis they were riding ran off the road. Troopers believe Swaringen overcorrected and T-boned a truck.

The three students were 17 years old and rising seniors.

“I cried my eyes out pretty much,” said classmate Ryan Talbert. 

The football team ran through a banner that read, “This one’s for ya’ll.”

“We needed something to bring our school together,” said Sellers.

The football team now wears the number 58 in black on their helmets.

“Tevis is my only child,” said Ollie Swaringen after her son’s jersey with the number 58 was placed on the team bench.

Tevis Swaringen was named an honorary captain this football season.

“At the end of the season they are going to actually give me the jersey,” said Ollie Swaringen.  “Just all the love from my family and friends and people that I don’t even know, that’s how I get through it.”