Breaking: Montgomery Cardinals finish flawless season as community unites after coach’s shooting
The Montgomery Cardinals, an 8- and 9-year-old youth football squad, closed a flawless season wiht top honors while thier community processed a traumatic incident that struck at the heart of the team. The Cardinals did not concede a single point all season, clinching the Central Alabama youth Football league Cricket Division crown and earning national attention for their disciplined play and resilience.
Across the southeast, the Cardinals added tournament victories and gained national recognition, including a No. 1 ranking from United Tykes Network.Yet the triumphs were tempered by a violent event on August 26, 2026, during a practice at McIntyre Magnet School that altered the season’s trajectory.
Head Coach Rodriquez “Coach Drek” Goodwyn was shot multiple times on the football field. “I was shot seven times on the football field,” Goodwyn recalled. “A lot of these kids witnessed that.”
Witnesses, including Waukina Chambers, a parent whose 8-year-old son Karson plays for the Cardinals, described the shocking moments as gunfire shattered the afternoon. Chambers said she rushed through the chaos, seeking her son and other players as the crowd scattered and alarms sounded.
The shooting left lasting emotional and physical scars. Chambers noted that her son cried and struggled with sleepless nights, eventually receiving counseling through local support efforts.Goodwyn’s injuries were severe enough to require emergency surgery to remove his spleen, followed by a 30-day medically induced coma and more then three months of hospitalization.
While Goodwyn recovered, another coach—referred to among players as Coach T—stepped in to steer the team.the players adopted the slogan “Do it for Drek” as a rallying cry to finish the season with the same determination he had instilled on the field.
Despite his inability to attend the championship game, Goodwyn said the team carried his message into the arena and completed a perfect season. “I’ve always told them we can overcome adversity,” he reflected.“I’m strict on the field, but off the field I’m more like a best friend or a dad to every kid you see here.”
Community members say the shared trauma did not fracture the Cardinals; it strengthened the bond that sustains the program. Local supporters have kept up fundraising efforts to ensure the team can continue its work, including fish fries and other events along busy routes to raise money for the players’ needs.
Karson Chambers, who dreams of one day coaching the team, praised Coach Drek for guiding him toward leadership.“Coach Drek made me follow him, and I want to be a leader like him too,” Karson said. “I like how he coaches us to be the best we can.”
Goodwyn plans to return to coaching in March, embodying the message that perseverance and faith can definitely help individuals rebuild after trauma. “Never give up on your dreams,” he encouraged. “If you never give up and believe in God, anything is possible.”
Law enforcement updates indicate two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a murder-for-hire plot tied to the shooting. The Cardinals’ fundraising efforts continue as the community rallies around the team’s future.
Table: Key facts at a glance
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Montgomery Cardinals, ages 8–9 |
| Season outcome | undefeated; allowed zero points; league champions |
| National ranking | No.1 in United Tykes Network listings |
| Shooting incident | Aug. 26, 2026, during practice at McIntyre Magnet School |
| Coach | Rodriquez “Coach Drek” Goodwyn |
| Injuries | Emergency spleen removal; 30 days in a medically induced coma; >3 months hospitalization |
| Recovery support | Coach T stepped in; team used motto “Do it for Drek” |
| Current status | Goodwyn aimed to return in March; fundraising ongoing |
| Legal update | Two suspects arrested in a murder-for-hire plot linked to the shooting |
| Funding | Community events; Cash App support line |
For readers seeking additional context on trauma support for youth, consider reviewing mental health resources from authoritative organizations. Learn more about youth trauma and resilience at credible public health and psychology sites.
External resources:
CDC: Youth Violence and trauma •
APA: Trauma and Resilience
What are your thoughts on how communities can better support young athletes after traumatic events? How should leagues balance competition with care for players’ mental health?
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disclaimer: This report summarizes reported events and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. For specific concerns, consult qualified professionals.
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