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Lessons Of Life, Death

Jefferson: All Access

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By KATHERINE SMITH, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 14, 2007

TAMPA - Jefferson's regular season ended with an interception in the end zone, a failed 2-point conversion that would have tied the game and ultimately a 21-19 loss to Middleton.

The final two minutes of the game served as a microcosm for the Dragons' season.

"It's Murphy's Law, whatever can go wrong will," Coach Mike Fenton said. "It's been one of those kinds of years."

The loss came on senior night, the last home game for the senior players unless something miraculous happens in the playoffs. The 4-6 Dragons travel to Boca Ciega for the first round of the playoffs on Friday, a do-over of sorts for Jefferson and a chance to showcase a talented team that underachieved at times this season.

Their regular-season finale, like most of Jefferson's season, wasn't without drama - even before kickoff. Prior to the game, Fenton said the school received a phone call saying there would be another shooting. Images of C.J. Mills immediately came to mind.

The effects of C.J.'s murder still linger. The former Jefferson linebacker was shot and killed in his driveway on April 25. His killer remains at large, which hasn't allowed any closure for those who loved him.

Jefferson dedicated its season to last year's defensive MVP. Players carried a flag with his No. 8 onto the field before every game and suited up his jersey, which sat on the sideline with his former teammates.

"C.J. still kind of looms in the back of our guys' minds," Fenton said.

In documenting the Dragons' season through Jefferson: All Access, we learned football was a refuge for many of the players who struggled with serious off-the-field issues.

For wide receiver/return man Darrell Young, the football field provided an escape from the ongoing grieving process over his cousin C.J.'s death. It also masked the pain of not knowing who or where his father is, a man he is actively searching for.

Wide receiver Devion Falconer, who survived an automobile accident that killed his father and broke a bone in his neck, discovered he can push his body to limits he didn't know existed.

"I learned that my body can take more pressure than I expected it could," Falconer said. "I pushed myself harder than my body wants me to. It's all mental to me. Physical pain is nothing. It's all in my mind."

Starting center Adrian James didn't learn a new lesson but had one affirmed. Living with a mother who suddenly went blind two years ago, yet never let her condition change her sunny disposition, motivates James to remain positive.

"I'm always going to finish what I start, no matter what's going on, no matter how hard it gets or how good it is," James said. "No matter what, I'm going to finish it like I was always taught."

Quarterback Zack Grossi learned to relish each and every moment of practice, film work and the games because he knew the season would fly by.

"This is the toughest group of kids that I've ever been around in my entire life," Grossi said. "No matter how much bad stuff can happen to us, we're still going to come out and fight like we know how to. I learned that you're nothing without your teammates."

As for Fenton, he learned there are certain words you can and can't say to the officials. He learned that the hard way when he served a one-game suspension after his ejection for cursing.

Fenton also gained a greater appreciation for his job as a coach and the players who pour their hearts and souls into the game.

"They all go through a lot of adversity and sometimes we don't realize the hardships in their lives, but when they come out here and they're on the field, it's a way for them to let go and cut loose and have some fun," Fenton said. "There is a lot of hard work involved in it. It's not easy. Friday nights, it's very competitive. It's a war. They learn a lot about the competitive nature it takes to play this game."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860 or ksmith@tampatrib.com.

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