What started as a joyous weekend for the DeKalb County Tigers ended with tragedy on Sunday.

Less than 48 hours after winning their first round play-off game against the higher seeded McMinn Central Chargers last Friday the Tiger family was saddened with the news that one of their coaches had tragically passed away from a heart attack on Sunday.

Clay Edwards was playing in his annual church youth vs. adults flag football game last Sunday when he suddenly collapsed on the field.

Edwards was 45-years old.

Edwards was a volunteer coach for the Tigers. He was also the president of the Quarterback Club, the team’s equipment manager and also handled all their travel arrangements.

He also had a son playing on the team. Abram Edwards is the Tiger’s leading receiver this year with 964 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.

Clay Edwards funeral was this past Thursday as the entire team served as honorary pall bearers for the man that was simply known as “Coach Ed” in DeKalb County.

Once news of this tragedy spread to White House, the student body at White House began asking for donations in the cafeteria and presented $500 to the Edwards family prior to the game.