Football team takes the field with 10 players in powerful tribute to slain teammate

Football team takes the field with 10 players in powerful tribute to slain teammate

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Football team takes the field with 10 players in powerful tribute to slain teammate

Christopher Wilson Jr. was honored before Yorktown High School (IN) football's matchup against Pendleton Heights (Pendleton, IN) on Friday, Oct. 9, just four days after the Yorktown senior and West Virginia football commit was fatally shot in Muncie, Indiana.

Wilson was honored by both teams ahead of Friday's football game at Pendleton High School.

Yorktown honored Wilson by carrying his No. 79 jersey to the coin toss and starting their first offensive and defensive drives with only 10 players. In turn, the announcer at Pendleton called for a moment of silence from the fans at the stadium to honor Wilson.

Wilson, 17, was found dead inside a vehicle after being shot multiple times in the 1400 Block of East Cromer Avenue, according to Muncie police Deputy Chief Melissa Criswell.

As of Thursday, the Muncie Police Department said the homicide investigation was an "ongoing, developing case" that it was "actively and aggressively investigating."

The star defensive end for the Tigers committed to West Virginia in June, picking the Mountaineers over Auburn, Cincinnati and Purdue. He had totaled 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and four quarterback hurries in five games played with the Tigers this season.

Following Wilson's death, West Virginia football coach Rich Rodriguez shared a statement, saying the program was "heartbroken" by the news.

"We really enjoyed getting to know Chris during the recruiting process," Rodriguez said. "The WVU football program sends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Chris' family in this difficult time."

Yorktown players wear shirts in honor of Yorktown's Chris Wilson Jr. (79) before a game Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Pendleton Heights High School. Wilson Jr. was killed in a shooting Oct. 5.

How Yorktown honored slain teammate Chris Wilson Jr.

Ahead of Friday night's game, the Yorktown football program announced its plans to honor Wilson.

In addition to the first offense and defensive plays being played with just 10 players and carrying Wilson's No. 79 jersey out to the pregame coin toss, the team also donned "BIGG1" helmet stickers.

Yorktown honors Wilson pregame:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Football team takes the field with 10 players in powerful tribute to slain teammate

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