Family, friends honor coach at game

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA) - The rival game between the Spanish Fort Toros and the Daphne Trojans had the crowd hollering on Labor Day. Students on each side painted up and made sure their horns were ready as they followed the cheerleader’s chants.

For the Daphne football team, the game represented something other than themselves. The game was played in honor of Daphne assistant football Coach Jacy Todd who was injured in a car wreck in August . He is now in a rehab facility in Atlanta but family members said he was still coaching from the hospital bed.

“He was texting the coaches to give them some tips,” said Todd’s sister-in-law, Dynette Ballard.

In honor of Todd, the community wore “Team Todd” shirts with the saying “Daphne Trojans believe in a miracle” on the back.

Others had their own way of showing support, raising posters that said “T is for team, T is for Trojans and T is for Todd”.

“We made it to show how much we miss him and how much he means to the school. He is a big inspiration for everyone and he cares about all the students,” said a Daphne high school student.

Ballard said Todd has some feeling in his feet and legs but he is unable to move them. 

“The team of doctors is working on helping him move his legs if that’s something God has in store for him,” said Ballard.  

According to CaringBridge , Todd’s goal is to be back by week five of the season, but it’s still questionable.

The blog said he meets with the medical team a week from Tuesday and will have a better estimate then.

Todd’s family is asking for prayers. They said his physical therapy will be kicked up a notch and everything is beginning to set in mentally.

The game ended with Spanish Fort beating Daphne 20-14.