(facebook.com)
KENOSHA, Wis. – A Friday night football rivalry turned into something much bigger than sports on September 12, when players from both Bradford High School and Indian Trail High School joined together in prayer at the end of their varsity matchup.
(Instagram)
What began as a spontaneous idea between Ely, a student from Bradford, and his friend Gavin from Indian Trail, quickly grew into a circle of players from both teams kneeling at midfield. Jacob, a football player from Indian Trail, also played a leading role in initiating the moment. After first praying with his teammates before kickoff, Jacob invited players from Bradford to join him and others in prayer following the game. The invitation was met with overwhelming participation, as most players stayed on the field to take part.
(facebook.com)
“It was about stepping into the leadership role that God has called me to,” Ely said. “My friend Gavin actually reached out to me the day of the game with the idea of gathering for prayer afterwards. That meant a lot because it showed unity not just within our team, but also between schools. It was not about Bradford or ITA, it was about Jesus.”
Indian Trail’s Campus Life faith-based club helped lay the foundation for the prayer gathering. The group has seven student leaders this year and more than 100 students expressing interest in joining. Many at the school say they feel a spiritual shift taking place. Earlier that day, a Campus Life representative even hosted a chapel service for the Bradford football team, which also drew strong turnout.
For Ely, who serves as a student chaplain at Bradford, the night symbolized more than a single event. He credits his growth in faith to being surrounded by peers in Veritas, a group he and friends created to encourage accountability and community. “When Gavin brought it up, I knew right away it was something God wanted us to do,” Ely said. “It wasn’t forced, it was genuine. Both teams reacted so positively. We had just competed against each other, but in that circle we were brothers in Christ.”
Ely said he hopes others take inspiration from what happened. “God has a calling for you too. Jesus loves you, He has a purpose for your life, and if you are obedient to Him, He will use you in incredible ways,” he said.
The moment of prayer, held under the stadium lights with two rival teams shoulder-to-shoulder, is being remembered as a powerful expression of faith and unity in Kenosha’s high school community.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
33 Responses
You love to see it!
Thank you for this positive reporting! We have some awesome kids at KUSD.
This made my heart so happy. These kids get it! We need Jesus in our Daily lives. So proud of these students!
Hallelujah. Praise these young men. This is what we need today. Find what unites us, not what divides us
God bless these young men 🙏🙏🙏🙏..may this begin revival with our schools
Absolutely Beautiful too see..Hopefully this is a new trend. God’s
Blessing on all these players and their families.🙏❤️
I love this so much.
Beautiful. Bravo, gentlemen.
It was a Turning Point.
Yes!
This is awesome!
Praise God! Exciting to see our youth “get it”
Is KUSD going to suspend them?
Absolutely love this! Continue to lead by example and stay strong in your faith young men. 💕🙏
This is what it’s about, all the glory to God. Share the gospel!
KUSD will no doubt, target these outstanding kids. This goes against everything that is preached at public schools by demonic administrators and “teacher” union thugs.
God bless the students/players for doing this.
No they won’t! This was NOT mandatory, all players were there by choice and it just so happens both teams participated. Just enjoy a positive story rather than spew your hate and negativity, wanna do something about it? Run for school board!
Fantastic, and yes there is a revival in our youth to God, Praise Jesus and Thank You Ely, stay the coarse young man ✝️
Thanks for posting this uplifting article. It is so good to read something good going on in Kenosha.
Stupid
I’ll pray for you both ♥️
Yea… dont.
Already did and will continue to do so, it’s what God wants me to do (and what Charlie was sharing). ♥️
Wow this is a wonderful story! God bless these boys. They have restored my soul
Pryaing for Charlie Kirk I wonder…?
I am in aw…of these young student athletes! Maybe this is where it has to start & Christ’s goodness that these young men hold in their hearts can serve as calling to all to put an end to this divisive strife that has no purpose…but we need to invite Christ back into our lives; but Christ being the perfect gentleman that HE is goes no where unless invited !
Praise the Lord!
It’s amazing how conservatives and moderate Democrats have united during such a difficult time in our country. When the younger generation knows how to conduct themselves, what does that say about the adults? This brings a tear of hope for America. God bless.
These public school kids are doing the Lord’s work. Parents and teachers should be very proud. St. Joe’s should take notice.
Jesus is King
Where there is hope 👍🏻
This amazing! All praise to the Most High YAHUAH!