About 24 hours before his team faced Maple Grove on Friday, Totino-Grace football coach Jeff Ferguson dealt with a more solemn game plan.
Ferguson visited the home of terminally ill senior team manager Rachel Woell and discussed funeral arrangements with her parents.
Woell died from brain cancer Friday night. She watched the first half of the Eagles' 28-0 loss at Maple Grove from her wheelchair on the sidelines. She felt feverish and left with her parents and later died at her New Brighton home.
Ferguson said he received the news via phone call on the bus ride back to school and told players in the locker room.
"She called our guys her boys," Ferguson said. "She was happy and joyful all the time. She was just so lovable. I've never been more touched by a student at our school."
Woell's first bout with cancer occurred in elementary school. It was in remission but returned last November. In her honor, Totino-Grace fans wore lime green at athletic contests this season and were joined by those at other schools showing support, such as Benilde-St. Margaret's.
A visitation for Woell is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Totino-Grace High School in Fridley. A prayer service begins at 8 p.m. The funeral begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.
"They didn't want to conflict with the football game Friday," Ferguson said.
