This past Friday two rival high schools met on the gridiron for the 8-man bragging rights of Marion County.

The Melcher-Dallas Saints celebrated homecoming against their arch rival the Twin Cedars Sabres. Before the game began, the two rivals came together in a way that was unexpected. The Melcher-Dallas Saints paid tribute to a fallen teammate, one on the other team. 15-year-old Zade Groenendyk, who played football and baseball for Twin Cedars, lost his life in a fatal ATV accident at his home in July. Groenendyk was recognized in a heartfelt tribute during the Melcher-Dallas homecoming parade and game. During the homecoming parade a float was constructed to honor Zade, and during pregame his family was brought down to the field and handed roses while receiving condolences from every player on the Melcher-Dallas team.

Zade’s great aunt Shirley Beaman tells KNIA/KRLS News, “the reality is that when you see the news, most times you’re going to have to read or see something negative; a natural disaster, a shooting, or a suicide. It’s a glimmer of hope for our future that such young people were willing to be so thoughtful, caring, and kind without being asked. Our family is forever grateful to the Melcher-Dallas School District for honoring Zade the way they did and making sure that he played a role in a game that would have meant everything to him.”

Beaman says a fundraising tribute is being held in Zade’s honor and his family is inviting everyone to attend. The tribute to Zade will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 14th at 403 1st Street in Bussey.