Westminster Owls Play for Crash Victim

On the first play, the Westminster Owls get on the board with a touchdown pass.  The team went into the regional championship game undefeated.

On Friday night, there's another reason to keep their record.

"He was here every game.  He was here last week and we remember him.  He used to cheer on every game," said Shannon Zavetz, a junior at Westminster H.S.   

Zavetz wrote “baseball games and seeing your smile” on her shirt.  That's how she remembers Michael McVerry, 17, who died when he was the passenger in a car that crossed the center line and hit another car on Tuesday night. 

Mcverry died at the scene.  Police do not think drugs or alcohol played a role.

"Spending everyday with him at lunch" wrote McVerry’s friend Connor Brown. 

Friends and classmates went to McVerry's viewing and then to the football game.  It was a rollercoaster of emotions for #20, too. 

Senior Dan Johnson is a running back and linebacker, who spent time tackling a great loss before the game.

"Dan told me before the game that Michael would want them to go on with the game and win the state championship," said Steven Johnson, Asst. Superintendent, Carroll Co. Public Schools and #20’s father. 

“Rest Easy Mike” tee-shirts were in the stands.  A gorgeous shot of the moon hung above Westminster High and players with more than football on their minds all lead up to a 62 to 28 win.

McVerry was a tennis player, but friends think he had some influence on the football team during a championship game.

"We wanted to be here for him because we know he's here watching us.  We're going to win states for him," said Zavetz.    

The team is one game closer.  They will play in the state semi-finals next Friday and push toward their first state championship win.