Back to normalcy in devastation: Hampton football finds solace in each other after storm

HAMPTON, Tenn. (WCYB) — Destruction and devastation has been the reality throughout Carter County over the past week - Hurricane Helene leaving many displaced or without power.

In the middle of the devastation lands the Hampton football team - trying to find their way back along with the rest of the community.

Devastating," said junior, Jayden Kuhn. "You don't really know how to take it.

Through the horrendous storm that touched the area last Friday, the Bulldogs' football stadium, and what could be a good chunk of the rest of their season, went with it.

It's gut wrenching," said head coach, Michael Lunsford. "To look out there and know how many of your buddies that you have memories with on the field and how many memories these guys have. Just to see it is a devastating look.

Lunsford got a first-hand look at the destruction of their home field shortly after chaos swept their community. After losing power in his own home, Lunsford had to drive 15 miles to get service in order to tell his team that they would be cancelling practice for the weekend.

"It's really been touch and go. The most difficult part has probably been communication and trying to get in touch with these guys to see if they're alright," added Lunsford. "We've just kind of been in limbo as far as football goes."

The Bulldogs remained in limbo for several days. While picking up the pieces within their home life and helping the community recover, the team was trying to figure out where to go next.

With no concrete answers on what the future would hold for their season, the Bulldogs finally got back on the field together on Thursday - thanks to the helping hand from their rivals at Happy Valley.

"We're thankful Happy Valley is letting us use their facilities," said Kuhn. "It was good to see all the boys. I haven't been able to see most of them in a while. It's been a lot regrouping. We just have to find a way to stay true with each other and work as a team and let the Lord lead us in what to do."

In what is called the 'War Path' at the entrance of Happy Valley's stadium, on Thursday it led to love and repair. The Bulldogs finally getting back to the game they love and get away from the confusion of the past week.

"I told them 'guys, this is the one place where we can have a little bit of normalcy and we can come here and do this just like we would've if none of this would've happened,'" said Lunsford. "It gives them a place that's home and normal for them. It's good in many ways to get back into a routine."

And while Hampton is looking at a long road back, the team is counting on each other to pick up the pieces and build back together.

As of now, the Bulldogs are looking to get back to the field for a game next week - with eyes on completing their season and finding a Senior Night in any way they can.