Noah Ortiz killed in fire that also claimed lives of 4 siblings
Some of the best high school football teams in the state are playing for their playoff lives this weekend, but one of those teams — The Edna Cowboys — took the field Saturday night with a much deeper motivation.
They dedicated Saturday night’s game to the memory of one of their teammates killed this week in a horrific fire that also claimed the lives of four of his siblings.
In New Braunfels, the Edna High School football team played for much more than a spot in the 3A state semifinals. They were playing for sophomore linebacker Noah Ortiz.
“Some things that are going on are that we have a cross with his helmet and number on it over here, and then one of his best friends, I think, actually Cam is going to come out carrying the flag that’s got his number on it, and we have helmet decals that are going to have his number on it,” said coach Huey Chancellor.
The 15-year-old was killed Tuesday in a fire that also killed four of his younger brothers and sisters.
Jackson County officials said when firefighters arrived at the family’s trailer home in Edna, about 90 miles southwest of Houston, it was fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters tried rescuing the five children inside but the roof and the floor were collapsing and they were forced to retreat.
Noah’s father, however, was able to break out a window, saving the children’s mother and their youngest child, a 3-year-old boy. They were the only survivors.
In an emotional moment before the game, Noah’s parents came onto the field and were presented with Noah’s No. 50 jersey.
Edna’s opponent, Ingram Moore, also presented his parents a check with money their community raised.
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