A community in southwestern Minnesota is in mourning following a car crash on Oct. 10 that claimed the life of a high school football player.
Bring Me The News reported Monday morning that Dawson-Boyd (MN) senior offensive lineman Carter Monaghan was the player that was involved in the crash. The report noted that an extended family member of Monaghan's confirmed the news with a post on Facebook.
The previous night, Dawson-Boyd had beaten MACCRAY (MN) 28-7.
The news of Monaghan's death brought forth an outpouring of support from other schools that would typically be a rival for the Blackjacks on the field.
"Our hearts are with the entire Dawson-Boyd school community, football team, and the family and friends as they grieve the loss of a young man
taken far too soon," Lakeview Schools wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday. "There are no words that can ease the pain of a loss like this. Football is more than a game. It’s a brotherhood, a family, and a bond that goes far beyond the field. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. In times like these, we are reminded that the football family is bigger than any school, any team, or any rivalry.
"Please know that you are not alone. We are thinking of you, praying for you, and standing beside you during this incredibly difficult time. From our Lakeview family to the Dawson-Boyd family, we send our love, prayers, and strength."
A post from the Montevideo Thunder Hawk Football Facebook page echoes similar thoughts.
"Our hearts are heavy as we think of the Dawson-Boyd community, their football team, and the family and friends grieving the heartbreaking loss of a young man," the post reads. "As a neighboring community, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Football may bring us together as competitors on Friday nights, but we are part of something much bigger than the game. We are a football family, and when one community hurts, we all feel that pain.
"Tonight, the wins, losses, and rivalries don’t matter. What matters is supporting one another, holding our loved ones close, and surrounding those who are hurting with love and compassion. From our Thunder Hawk family to yours, Dawson-Boyd, we stand with you."
Dawson-Boyd is 5-1 on the year and plans on honoring Monaghan ahead of Wednesday night's home game against Lakeview per the Bring Me The News report. Area residents will wear custom t-shirts with "Play for Carter" printed on them for the game.
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota high school football community mourns Dawson-Boyd senior offensive lineman
