The Edison Tigers gave it their all Friday night. They beat the Clovis West Eagles 54-35 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Edison’s players were inspired by their teammate, Marquis Sutton, who is no longer with them.
Prior to the game everyone paid tribute to the 18-year old during a moment of silence. Clovis West passed along a vase of flowers to Sutton’s grandmother and brother as well as a $500 donation to help cover funeral expenses.
“Everybody, the whole community has been so spectacular and we are overwhelmed with joy for all the things they have done,” said Patricia Dixon, Marquis’ grandmother.
Players honored the WR/DB on their uniforms by placing his initials on their helmets and putting pictures on their towels. This would have been Marquis' first game this season as he had just recovered from an ankle injury.
“He loved football with a passion. He's looking at all of us right now and he's wishing his team and the other team luck and I know he was going to do big tonight,” said Kenneth Phillips, Marquis’ brother.
Fans got involved by filling a jar with cash to give the Sutton family.
“I chose to donate because Marquis and I were close friends at Bullard and Edison and this was my chance to give back to him because that is what he would want me to do,” said Darneisha Johnson, Marquis’ friend.
The loss is devastating, but the unity Marquis has created is encouraging.
“We need to see more of this and stop the killing. Just love one another and try to get along,” said Dixon.
