By Steve Hendrickson
Brighton edged Covington 2-1 in a soccer game Tuesday night at the Brighton High School Soccer Field, but the game was about a lot more than winning or losing.
The Lady Cardinals wore pink jerseys and Covington wore black jerseys with pink numerals in a “PinkOut Game” that was held to promote breast cancer awareness. The proceeds from the game went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
For Brighton Head Coach Shari Garrett, the game was particularly meaningful. Her mother, April Dickerson, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Team members have been wearing armbands all year with the letters “AD” to honor their coach’s mother.
“Through God’s grace she is doing wonderful,” Garrett said. “We wanted to acknowledge all those who have battled this horrible disease. I want to thank all who came out to support the cause.”
“I was very appreciative to Brighton for allowing us to participate in a game with such a worthy cause,” Covington Head Coach Robert Luttrell said. “Breast cancer affects so many families and is a worthy cause that is very dear to us.”
Brighton jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half as Lila Lumpkin scored less than five minutes into the game on an assist from Tess Hendrickson. About 20 minutes later, Lexi Smith played a through ball to a streaking Hendrickson who put the ball in the net for the second Brighton score.
With 5 minutes left in the first half, Madison Luttrell scored for Covington to cut the lead in half. Each team had scoring opportunities in the second half, but the team defenses held strong and the Lady Cardinals held on for the win.
After the game, the focus was on a larger purpose. “Playing Covington is always a battle and I truly respect Coach Luttrell and his girls and want to thank them for taking time to pray for my mom after the game.”