In a heartfelt display of community solidarity, Millwood High School and Heritage Hall High School will face off on Friday night at 7 p.m. on Millwood’s field. The varsity football matchup is being used to honor Jaheir Booker, an 11‑year‑old Millwood student who died after collapsing during a football practice earlier this week.
Both schools’ football families have rallied together, gathering monetary contributions to support the Booker family during this difficult time. Heritage Hall’s team organized a donation drive among players, coaches, parents, and supporters, and the collected funds will be presented to Jaheir’s family during the game’s halftime ceremony.
Community response
The tragedy has touched the broader Millwood and Heritage Hall communities, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and assistance. Local businesses, church groups, and neighborhood residents have contributed, underscoring the shared values of faith, family, and individual liberty that bind the area.
“Jaheir was a bright, energetic kid who loved being on the field,” said Coach Mark Davis of Millwood. “We want to honor his memory by coming together as a community and helping his family in any way we can.”
Game details
The game will be played under the lights at Millwood’s stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. In addition to the halftime presentation, both teams plan a moment of silence before the opening kickoff to reflect on Jaheir’s life and the impact he had on his teammates and classmates.
Fans are encouraged to attend and show support for the families involved. Ticket prices remain unchanged, and proceeds from any additional concessions will also be directed to the Booker family.
Looking ahead
While the loss of Jaheir Booker is a profound sorrow for the community, the joint effort by Millwood and Heritage Hall demonstrates the power of local institutions to provide comfort and aid in times of grief. The schools have indicated that they will continue to monitor the family’s needs and explore further ways to assist throughout the season.
For those wishing to contribute beyond the game, a dedicated donation account has been set up through the Millwood school district’s website. Details can be found on the district’s official page or by contacting the athletic department directly.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
