The Bartlett High School football team officially punched their ticket to the playoffs Friday night, but their 38-20 victory over Narragansett Regional High School in Baldwinsville wasn’t just about securing a spot. It was a win steeped in raw emotion, played entirely for their fallen former teammate, 18-year-old Francois Longdaye.
The Unimaginable Loss That Rocked the Team
The air around the Bartlett Indians has been heavy this past week. Francois Longdaye, a beloved former tight end and defensive lineman who graduated earlier this year, tragically passed away last weekend. He was one of three servicemen killed in a single-car crash in Pensacola, Florida, where he was serving as a recruit for the Navy. Coach Dane Laboissonniere admitted it’s been a “challenging week” for his squad and staff, with the “kids playing with heavy hearts.”
The news hit everyone hard. Senior Tyler Whiting described it as “unbelievable,” saying it was “definitely hard the first couple of days, and even now it’s still hard.” Fellow senior Cameron Hast was “heartbroken” and “didn’t expect to hear that at all,” calling the entire situation “just been tough.” Junior Jaesean Atkins echoed the sentiment, noting, “It’s been hard for all of us, we’ve all had to take mental timeouts, and we needed to take breaks every once in a while.” Their focus this week wasn’t just on football strategy, but on supporting each other through an unimaginable loss.
#34 Played Every Snap Like It Was His Last
Longdaye’s impact on the Bartlett program went far beyond the scoreboard. Coach Laboissonniere remembers a player who “just played so hard,” so much so that they used him as an example even after he graduated, telling current players, “Look how hard he played on this play, played from whistle to whistle.”
His teammates knew the heart he brought to everything. Hast recalled, “He was a guy that was always there to hype everyone up, whenever you needed something, he was there.” Atkins added that Longdaye “was a really good player, he had a lot of heart in everything he did.” Beyond the field, his true character shone. He “always lifted everyone up, even when they’re down, even if you messed up one rep, one little thing, he was there making sure you’re ok and just being a great person overall.” That’s the legacy the Indians carried into Friday night’s do-or-die game.
A Playoff Victory Chanted With His Name
From the moment they stepped on the field, it was clear who the Indians were playing for. Longdaye’s #34 was proudly displayed on their helmets and sweatshirts, a constant reminder of the spirit guiding them. The game against Narragansett Regional was tight, but just like their former teammate, the Indians poured their hearts into every play. They rallied in the second half, pulling off an emotional 38-20 win.
As the final buzzer sounded and the playoff berth was secured, the celebration wasn’t just for the victory. They could be heard chanting “34” and “Franny,” ensuring Longdaye’s name was etched into every moment of triumph. Atkins summed it up perfectly: “Everything we do is for him now, he’s always inside our hearts, he’s always with us.” This isn’t just a playoff team; it’s a brotherhood playing with a purpose. Every down, every yard, every single play from here on out will be a testament to Francois Longdaye’s spirit. The Indians are in the playoffs, and they’re bringing #34 with them every step of the way.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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