Pirates don't have to look far for inspiration

A tragic event that took place last winter could have left the Perryville football team down in the dumps.

It could have left Mike Schamburg without a reason to care about football.

Instead, Schamburg is taking the leadership role with the Pirates that he expected to fulfill this season.

"He's one of our five captains," Perryville coach Rick Chastain said. "He's stil a part of our team. He's at all the practices, all the weight room sessions. He's in there encouraging the kids."

Schamburg is limited to encouraging his teammates from a wheelchair. He was left paralyzed following a single-car accident in the winter.

"It was just a freak thing," Chastain said. "He was getting ready to go play a pickup basketball game in Perryville, and he was thrown out of the car."

Chastain was planning on having Mike Schamburg -- an all-conference tackle who played on both sides of the ball last year -- and his brother, Matt, back in the trenches this season.

"It was very hard for everyone," Chastain said. "I really feel for the family. Michael has tremendous loyal support from his family, and the players on this team have supported him and taken him in. Really, every kid in the high school thinks Michael Schamburg is the best thing since punch."

In his role as captain, Mike Schamburg has essentially become one of Chastain's assistants.

"I ask him what he sees that I don't," Chastain said. "He's very knowledgeable about the game and very helpful. He'll help anyone on the team at any time. It's like having another coach."