Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
October 02, 2010
by Tommy Birch

On the field, the Raiders got a 26-13 win over West Central Valley, Stuart.

Off the field, coach Delwyn Showalter estimates they helped raise close to $30,000 during their "Tackle Cancer," game.

Mount Ayr football players sported pink jerseys that were auctioned off to fans as part of their "Tackle Cancer," game. "A huge success in every way," Showalter said. "It was a huge success before the ball game ever started. The win capped off the week. It was a great time for our community."

Just ask Matt Sobotka.

Sobotka, who plays for Mount Ayr, has a grandmother recovering from cancer and another recently diagnosed with it.

During the week, Showalter gave each of his players pink note cards and asked each of them to write down names of people they were playing for.

Sobotka wrote down both of his grandmothers.

He placed the card in his locker during school and on his dashboard while he was driving.

It must have worked.

Sobotka scored three touchdowns in the win.

"It was definitely an emotional night," Sobotka said.

Showalter said winners of the auctioned jerseys will pick them up on Monday. He said he's still getting donations. A perfect end to a perfect week.

At least in Sobotka's eyes.

"It meant a lot just to be there and see everyone in the community just basically throw money at the jersey auction," Sobotka said. "That's what meant the most."

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2012