‘We responded with prayer’: West Morgan relying on faith through adversity

TRINITY, Ala. (WHNT) — It’s been an incredibly difficult two weeks for the West Morgan Football team.

The Rebels have faced several players getting injured on the field, including a very scary one in Priceville on Sept. 12 when senior Cole Thorn suffered a brain bleed. First responders rushed Thorn to Huntsville Hospital, where he had emergency surgery. He is now on the road to recovery.

Despite this, the Rebels were able to reel off a 23-14 win over the talented Hatton Hornets last Friday night. The win continued the team’s regular-season win streak, which has grown to 29 games. For most programs, this would be what was at the top of their minds, but the Rebels were thinking of their injured brother.

“You never know how much you have until something hits you and you lose it, you know that was a big part for us you know we were standing up really tall and then something happened and we responded with prayer, we could’ve easily given up, we could’ve easily become the broken team that people might see us as right now,” Senior Jacob Johnston said. “We chose to respond with the Lord, and He’s really blessed us with that.”

The win may have felt good for the West Morgan football team, but Monday’s surprise was even better. Thorn, who has been released from the hospital, visited the team, sparking a very excited response.

“He’s done so much as a leader, you know, he got voted on by the players as well to become a leader of this team, and for a great reason,” Johnston said. “He brings so much energy, and he shows that determination that we all want to have.”

Rebels Coach Drew Phillips says it’s been a beautiful thing to see what’s come out of a horrible situation.

“The community coming together, love and support each other, you know our school, other communities around the state, just people pouring in, it’s such a positive movement,” Phillips said. “A lot of good has come from what’s happened, and I couldn’t be more proud of people showing their love and support to our program.”

As the team moves forward with the season, they’ll face every injury, every setback and challenge with the ’22 Strong’ motto, a tribute to Cole, who wore the number 22.

While the Rebels are one of the most talented teams in the Tennessee Valley, their minds won’t only be on hopes of a state championship, but on their brother who’ll be rooting them on.