Bo knows RCHS football

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Former Auburn star delivers message to team

By: Matt Bacak

The lights went down Thursday night in the sanctuary at Ava Global Methodist Church. Thirty Randolph County High School football players sat dressed up for the occasion, waiting.

Bo Jackson’s face filled the screen. The Auburn legend spoke from his home in Illinois, but his message landed like he was sitting in the front pew. He talked about preparation, teamwork, and what it takes to win — not just games, but in life.

Team effort wins games
Bo had heard about Maurice “Mo” Winston, the Tigers’ star running back.

“I hear about Mo rushing for 300 yards a game,” Bo said. “Mo is not the football team. He needs help. Everybody do their job and I guarantee you, you’ll come out on top.”

He spoke directly to the offensive linemen.
“You all are down in the trenches. You all are the hogs,” he said. “Make sure your quarterback, receivers and running backs get the space they need to do what they need to do.”

Tight end Brian “Dirk” Bacak said the message resonated.
“I’ve been blocking for Mo all season, and tonight Bo Jackson reminded me why that matters,” Bacak said. “Football isn’t about who gets the glory — it’s about who does their job so we all succeed.”

Bo closed with “Go out and get a win tonight. God bless, good luck, and War Eagle.”
Players respond

Winston said hearing his name from a legend was surreal. “I can’t believe a legend knows my name,” he said.
Quarterback Rhett Huddleston, a six-year veteran of the program, called it unprecedented. “Never has the team ever had this kind of experience,” he said.

Fuel for Friday
After the video, the team moved to the dining hall where volunteers had prepared spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad. Church members framed the meal as strategic nutrition — carbohydrates to fuel Friday night’s game.

“Bo Jackson reminded these young men that football builds more than athletes — it builds leaders,” said Pastor Blue Vardaman. “That’s a message worth gathering around a table for.”

Before dinner, church volunteer Matt Bacak presented Bo Jackson’s BO3.0 Hydration Packs — electrolyte drink mixes from his company — as gifts to four players for outstanding performance this season: Winston, linebacker Matthew White, defensive lineman Lavonta Dye, and Huddleston.

The honored players led the team into dinner, followed by seniors and starters. Huddleston said grace.

Community Support
Parents praised the event. “My son has been talking about it since we got home,” one parent said. “The team was so respectful. Tonight created a positive and encouraging atmosphere for the team and allowed Ava church to be a shining light.”

Volunteer Harold Harmon said the church plans to continue the tradition. “Don’t know how it could have been any better,” Harmon said. “Ava is all in to do it again.”

The church committed to hosting spaghetti dinners before Friday games throughout the season.