Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Clay County Panther Intermediate Football League C-Team took to the field Saturday without one of their own, 7-year-old James Neal.
"We lost a loved one to us. He meant the world to all of us," Neal's coach Brandon Rucker said.
Neal and his 13-year-old brother, Zayden Hurley, were killed in a crash one week ago, leaving another boy, 14-year-old Evan Marling hospitalized.
"James is with us in our hearts, no matter what, every single down we play, every game and every practice He's with us at all times," Rucker said. "I think the kids took that in. They understand that James is watching from up heaven. You know, there isn't a doubt he went to heaven. I know he's an angel watching over. I think the boys understand that."
As news spread about the crash, it didn't take long for other teams to start reaching out, offering help in anyway they could.
By Saturday they raised enough money to cover funeral expenses for the brothers.
"It's pretty amazing. We hit that mark yesterday and didn't think we would get there," Clay County Panther Intermediate Football vice president Reggie Brogan said. "That just shows how strong, how much people care here in this community and statewide. We've had people from Huntington, clear over to Lewisburg, clear up into Wheeling, West Virginia. Then from Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida."
The Panthers took to the field with Neal's No. 33 on their helmets, as their opponents from Summers County wore blue and gold socks in support of the family and the community in healing.
"He was a great kid, and he meant the world to us," Rucker said. "It's a tragic loss for us. But between this week and this season its all about do it for James."
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/fundraiser-covers-funeral-costs-for-brothers-killed-in-crash-community-rallies-statewide
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The Clay County Panther Intermediate Football League C-Team took to the field Saturday without one of their own, 7-year-old James Neal.
"We lost a loved one to us. He meant the world to all of us," Neal's coach Brandon Rucker said.
Neal and his 13-year-old brother, Zayden Hurley, were killed in a crash one week ago, leaving another boy, 14-year-old Evan Marling hospitalized.
"James is with us in our hearts, no matter what, every single down we play, every game and every practice He's with us at all times," Rucker said. "I think the kids took that in. They understand that James is watching from up heaven. You know, there isn't a doubt he went to heaven. I know he's an angel watching over. I think the boys understand that."
As news spread about the crash, it didn't take long for other teams to start reaching out, offering help in anyway they could.
By Saturday they raised enough money to cover funeral expenses for the brothers.
"It's pretty amazing. We hit that mark yesterday and didn't think we would get there," Clay County Panther Intermediate Football vice president Reggie Brogan said. "That just shows how strong, how much people care here in this community and statewide. We've had people from Huntington, clear over to Lewisburg, clear up into Wheeling, West Virginia. Then from Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida."
The Panthers took to the field with Neal's No. 33 on their helmets, as their opponents from Summers County wore blue and gold socks in support of the family and the community in healing.
"He was a great kid, and he meant the world to us," Rucker said. "It's a tragic loss for us. But between this week and this season its all about do it for James."
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/fundraiser-covers-funeral-costs-for-brothers-killed-in-crash-community-rallies-statewide
_________________________________________
Follow WCHS on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston
Twitter: twitter.com/wchs8fox11
Instagram: instagram.com/wchs8fox11
For the latest local and national news, visit our website: wchstv.com
Sign up for our newsletter: wchstv.com/sign-up
