TROTWOOD, Ohio — The Trotwood Rams are headed back to the OHSAA State Finals for the seventh time since 2010, but for this Rams team, this one is a bit different. 

• Back in May, the Trotwood community was devastated by several tornadoes that left many people, including some members of the Rams team, displaced
• Twin brothers, both freshman on the team, had to move because their house was destroyed
• Now they’re playing key roles for the team, and their head coach is proud of how they’ve responded to adversity 

Back in May, the city was devastated by tornadoes that left the community reeling. The rebuild is ongoing.

“This is, unless you can come here physically and see it, this is devastating, man,” Construction Worker Eric Yarbrough said. “Overcoming something like this, you never think it could happen to you, but when it happens to you it’s so surreal.”

It’s been a slow recovery, and Trotwood Head Coach Jeff Graham is hopeful that through his team’s play this season, they’ve been able to provide a stress release from the devastation. 

“We understand that the community works hard, and they lost a lot,” Trotwood Head Coach Jeff Graham said. “We just want that to tie in together, so we can just rebuild this community together.”

And if the Rams can bring home a win on Friday, it would bring more than just a trophy back to Trotwood. 

“I think it’d be a great pick-me-up, man, give us something to cheer about, because this has been devastating, man,” Yarbrough said. “A lot of people lost their homes, had to move, a lot of kids and their families have been displaced. So, to bring home a championship, even though it’s something small, it’s something to celebrate.” 

And the title would certainly mean more to a pair of freshmen on the team. Jeremiah and Hezekiah Hudson-Davis were displaced by the tornadoes, but now, both are playing key roles for the team. Hezekiah leads the team with almost 1,300 yards rushing.

“He was able to come in and execute well for us,” Graham said. “He’s been the steady back, he’s been the focal back for us. We’re just trying to make sure that we coach him along, and keep him prepared, make sure he doesn’t get too high or too low.”

Graham said the team will take time to look at the big picture when the season is wrapped up, but for now, he’s keeping the team focused on the task at hand. And that’s beating Mansfield Senior on Friday. 

“Ultimately we’re just doing it for the whole Trotwood family,” Graham said.

Trotwood faces Mansfield Friday, December 6 at 3 p.m. in Canton.