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Jaxson Rand Takes Midfield at Phillipsburg v. Hillsborough Football Game, Bringing the Crowd to Its Feet
By Danielle DeGerolamo,
1 days ago
Jaxson Rand, surrounded by family, school members, youth participants, administrators and football captains from P'Burg and Hillborough took park in the honorary captain of the game. Credits: TAPinto Phillipsburg Staff Photo | Candid Captures by Kristina
PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – On September 27, 2024, seven-year-old Jaxson Rand had the spotlight of all in attendance at Maloney Stadium, taking midfield as the honorary captain alongside Phillipsburg High School's team captains. The rans roared with applause as Jaxson flipped the coin, shook hands with the Hillsborough captains , and brought the crowd to its feet in a powerful display of sportsmanship, maturity, unity for #JaxsonStrong.
Moments like this, you just don’t see at many high school football games . From veteran appreciation, to supporting the youth, Bellis Field at Maloney Stadium had more than football happening last event, it was filled with the community, both Phillipsburg and Hillsborough.
Jaxson’s battle has been a community-wide effort and continues this evening as a hosted fundraiser/mini prom event, that has some surprises waiting for the young man. One surprise, we personally cannot wait to see bring a smile to this young man’s face. His smile, is one thing you'll take away from every photo. He's always smiling.
The emotional moment when Jaxson took the field, met with thunderous clapping, saw Jaxson, who is bravely battling Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare brain tumor , at the heart of Stateliners football. In addition to youth night, Friday night lights on September 27, 2024 was dedicated to celebrating his courage, smile and the incredible strength he continues to show, inspiring not only the Phillipsburg community but all who have come to know his story. Those who hadn’t heard about, quickly learned last evening.
In attendance were Phillipsburg Principal Dr. Ralph LaForgia, several teachers and administrators from the school district, and Athletic Director Kyle Fleming, who stood by Jaxson on the sidelines. Jaxson received a special ride from Kyle Purdy, who chauffeured him from goal post to goal post through over 500 youth athletes lining the field , making the night unforgettable for this young hero.
You couldn’t have found a better blend of community than was on display Friday Night. We could have done without the rain, but a win by the Liners helped too. Although, fans were on the edge of our seats in the fourth quarter.
The crowd rose to applaud Jaxson and his family . The Phillipsburg School District expressed their regard, stating when making him an honorary captain, "We are humbled and inspired by Jaxson's courage and resilience."
Jaxson’s fight against cancer continues. The strength of his family, as well as his mother’s quest to enjoy moment they can, and bring awareness to DIPG and her story, has the spirit of the Stateliners on their side, and we’re pretty sure Jaxson’s story will reach far beyond our community.
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