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High School Football Team Plays In Honor Of Fallen State Trooper

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- The players with Ralston Valley High School didn't know fallen Colorado State Trooper Jaimie Jursevics but it didn't matter because they were close to someone who did.

On Friday night's 5-A playoff game against Valor Christian, the players honored Jursevics with a special decal on their helmets.

ralston valley
(credit: CBS)

Ralston Valley High School had been waiting all season to win a playoff game. But in the days leading up to their most important game, something had happened.

"They were asking how I was, and how I was doing with hit," said Colorado State Trooper Josh Downing.

The answer was not good for Downing, the Mustangs defensive coach and State Trooper was struggling with the death of his friend Jursevics.

Jaimie Jursevics
Jaimie Jursevics (credit: Colorado State Patrol)

He asked for a favor, for his players to wear her number next to theirs in their biggest game. They agreed without hesitation.

"This is a time when these guys were picking up my family a little bit, it's been pretty awesome," said Downing.

Under the bright lights and falling snow, Jursevic's number appeared on every helmet on the field. Even more, the Mustangs say they were playing for her.

"It hurts us a little bit, you know, but it's a good feeling to go out there and play for someone other than ourselves, " said Ralston Valley junior Jacob Tischler.

Jursevics was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver last week while on duty on Interstate 25.

"You hear that this generation is selfish sometimes and you hear that they're all about themselves and then you hear about these young men who stepped up and came up with this idea on their own to honor not only their coach, but to honor Jaimie and Jaimie's family… we were blown away," said Colorado State Patrol Trooper Steve Garcia.

Ralston Valley players say it wasn't even a big decision. They say being a team is being a family. It's the kind of tribute that friends say Trooper Jursevic would want.

Despite not winning the game, Ralston Valley players say it was a tough game and very emotional. It was especially moving at halftime when state troopers told the crowd to never drink and drive.

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