By JOSHUA MURPHY

Staff Writer

SOUTH WILLIAMSON, Ky. —The tension and turmoil of weeks past were nothing but a distant memory Saturday for the Williamson Wolfpack and the Burch Bulldogs. Players, school personnel and coaches from both schools held a hot dog and baked goods sale to raise money for the Upper Big Branch families.

The event was organized because of the team's post-game fight on April 6. Though it was sparked by a negative event, the teams, school personnel and the WVSSAC have turned it into something positive.

"Even though we had to cancel a couple of games, it's been a worthwhile experience," said Williamson Head Coach Pedro Ledger. "Sometimes kids make mistakes and hopefully they've learned from it."

"It was an unfortunate incident that happened, but I wish we could do this more often," said Burch's assistant coach Jim Saunders. "They are showing unity and proud of the way both schools have handled this. These kids give me hope for the future."

"Kids will be kids," said Burch head coach James "Butch" Joplin. "They'll fight one minute and get together the next. Kids can let things go easily. Some of the older people seem to hold on to it, but everything has a way of working itself out."

The coaches thanked Food City and Jack Blackburn for allowing them to use the grocery store's parking lot and donating buns to the sale.

The Burch players that helped with the hot dog and bake sale were: Tyler Lane, Kyle King, Brandon King, Ryan Hatfield, Gabriel Vinson, Joe Vinson, Chase Dotson, and Brandon Maynard. Because of Burch's prom, some of the Burch players were unable to help with the sale, but they will help with the next event the teams organize.

The Williamson players that helped with the hot dog and bake sale were: Caleb Stacy, Jarrid McCormick, Chris Hatcher, Justin Hensley, Shawn McCormick, Ryan Diamond, Jim Corbett, Israel Varney, Gabriel Varney, Will Hale, Nick Lee, and Chris Atkins.

The teams are working on other events as part of their "act of kindness initiative". A car wash to raise money for the Upper Big Branch families was postponed because of rainy weather forecasts and will be held at a later date. The teams are also planning a senior social for the senior citizens of Delbarton and Williamson.