'Emotions in the air': Pleasant Plains football dedicates win to hospitalized teammate

PLEASANT PLAINS — Donation buckets replaced cash drawers at the gates Friday at the Pleasant Plains high school football game.

White T-shirts declaring #JAYDENSTRONG littered the stands and sidelines.

The players sported stickers on their helmets with the same heart-shaped logo.  

A couple of red dots marked “13” and “JV” graced the sidelines at the 13-yard line.

But perhaps the most poignant moment unfolded as Pleasant Plains junior quarterback Danny Skelton rushed the field holding the No. 13 jersey aloft for everyone to see. 

Jayden Veesenmeyer’s presence was everywhere.

“You could just feel the emotions in the air,” senior teammate Seth Kieninger said. “It was like nothing else.” 

Background:Pleasant Plains vs. Riverton high school football game halted after player collapses

‘Overwhelming week’ 

Veesenmeyer, Plains’ senior running back, collapsed on the sidelines during the previous week’s contest at Riverton before he was taken by an ambulance. He subsequently underwent emergency surgery for subdural hematoma, according to a GoFundMe page. 

A vigil was assembled outside the HSHS St. John’s Women’s and Children’s Clinc on Tuesday night.  

“We're just hoping he continues to make progress,” Plains coach John Hambelton said. 

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Hambelton said he grappled with the question of whether or not the Cardinals should proceed with their next game against Pittsfield. They did of course, with the blessing from Jayden’s mother. The unfinished game against Riverton remains up in the air. 

“You almost feel selfish, like 'Win it for Jayden,' but it's actually true because sports binds communities and we probably made a really good amount of money for his mom today because we're donating all of that money (from the game),” Hambelton said. “Then it's, 'All right, sports bonds communities, and it's the right thing to go play and we're going to get Jayden and his mom help with medical expenses from tonight.’” 

Hambelton duly noted that even the officials donated their checks to the Veesenmeyer family.  

That doesn’t include the immense support from the area and beyond. The GoFundMe page has raised $62,400 as of Friday night. 

“It’s been an overwhelming week for sure,” Hambelton said. 

‘We’re still here’ 

Skelton said they wanted to make Veesenmeyer proud — on homecoming no less.

Plains (2-3) ensured that with a 43-12 Sangamo Conference victory over visiting Pittsfield (0-5) after senior receiver Barnett Glisson cashed in a 9-yard touchdown run on the game’s opening drive. 

“It was big for all of us,” Skelton said of the first TD. “It showed that we're still here. We'll go through anything. We're still here as a team.” 

Skelton and Kieninger starred offensively for the Cardinals. Skelton ran for 160 yards and two TDs and completed 10 of 17 passing attempts for 117 yards and two scores. He also caught two passes from Kieninger, the secondary QB, for 41 yards. 

He reeled off a 58-yard TD run for a 14-0 halftime lead and dispensed several tacklers again 18 yards for a 36-6 advantage in the fourth. 

“We're all here for each other,” Skelton said. “We play for each other. I don't think there's a single person on this team that plays for themselves. I think we all play for each other.” 

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Firing on all cylinders 

Kieninger tossed 5 of 6 for 51 yards and ran for 32 yards. Junior receiver Carter Durako hauled in five receptions for 58 yards and one TD.  

Kieninger said they went back to full swing at practice on Wednesday. 

“It's surreal,” Kieninger said. “We had a great crowd come out after all of the support they've done throughout the week. It's awesome to see everything come together.” 

Plains senior linebacker Luke Oschwald nabbed two interceptions and returned his first pick 30 yards to the end zone in the third period.  

Senior teammate Chris Kleimenhagen forced a key fumble in the second quarter. He jarred the ball loose with a big hit in front of the goal line for a touchback.  

Pittsfield junior quarterback Javen Petty went 16 of 30 for 197 yards and two INTs. Senior running back Jason McKee scored both TDs on short runs. 

“You might be able to hear the band right now,” Skelton said. “I mean, everybody's just electric. I love our crowd and everybody who comes out every Friday night. It's amazing.” 

Contact Bill Welt: (217) 788-1545, bill.welt@sj-r.com, Twitter.com/BillWelt