In The Huddle

It’s been a few days since Oxford Webb’s 34-7 victory at Southern Alamance. Some of the bumps and bruises have healed and the players and coaches have shifted their focus to this week’s game.

But it was the postgame ceremony, with the focus of healing and moving on, that has likely stuck with those who were there.

Players from Southern Alamance and Oxford Webb, still sweaty from the game that ended minutes earlier, stood alongside fans, parents and coaches from both schools.

As 40 red balloons made their way into the unusually warm sky of an October night, the only sound was the screching of the crickets in the nearby pines.

The balloons were part of a day of remeberance for former Southern Alamance coach Tony Perrou, who died a year ago Thursday following an auto accident.

Plenty has been written about Perrou’s loss both here and in the pages of the Times-News.

But Friday night’s events gave several unforgettable images that underscored its meaning.

Whether it was the scores of Southern Alamance fans wearing T-shirts emblazoned with Perrou’s trademark quip “It’s a great day to be alive, it’s a great day to be me” or the former players waiting in line to give a hug to Perrou’s daughter Madeline emotional moments weren’t in short supply.

Youth pastor Brian DeHart provided the message following the game.

“(Perrou) knew his path,” DeHart said. “Even though he’s not here now, his path is still being followed.”

The Patriots didn’t win the game. It was Senior Night. It was hardly the fitting ending to a day meant to honor a beloved coach.

But minutes after the ceremony ended, players roamed the field full of familiar faces, joking with friends and greeting former teammates.

Anyone who knew Tony would have known he would have approved. He would have done the same thing.

“Don’t mourn anymore, celebrate,” DeHart said.