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Peoria High School football honored Deer Valley.
Peoria faced Deer Valley in Arizona high school football action on Friday. It represented the season opener for both squads.
Deer Valley received the opening kickoff to get the game underway. Peoria refused to tackle the return man.
That refusal was designed to honor the loss of a Deer Valley player that passed away before the start of the 2026 campaign. It was a powerful display of humanity and sportsmanship. Some things are bigger than football.
Baxter Floyd passed away in August.
The Deer Valley student and football player was set to begin his junior year this fall. He tragically passed away on August 10th.
“DVUSD and the Deer Valley High School community ask for privacy as they grieve the loss of a member of their community. Support is available for students and staff during this difficult time,” the school district wrote in a statement after the fact.
Deer Valley posted a social media tribute in honor of Floyd.
Floyd played in two contests with the varsity team as a sophomore. The Skyhawks won six games and made the Arizona state playoffs where they fell 29-28 in the opening round.
The 16-year-old was set to see a larger role in his junior year. His passing was a monumental loss to teammates, coaches, family, and the community as a whole.
Arizona high school football team paid respect.
Peoria hosted Deer Valley in the season opener last Friday night. The programs are separated by less than 10 miles. They compete semi-regularly as 4A Division members.
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A map of Glendale, Arizona.
Peoria painted a decal on the 33-yard line, the number worn by Floyd on the football field. Deer Valley received the opening kickoff. The defense was instructed not to make a tackle.
Beautiful moment from Deer Valley vs Peoria.
Peoria painted a special decal at the 33-yard-line to honor Deer Valley junior Baxter Floyd, who passed away earlier this month. Peoria allowed Deer Valley to return the opening kickoff to the 33 before taking a knee.@12News pic.twitter.com/F05R2e7d3Q
— Jakob Brooks (@Jakobrooks) August 29, 2026
Deer Valley returned the kick to the 33-yard line where the return man kneeled on the painted decal.
It was incredible gesture towards a team still mourning the loss of one of their own. Peoria won the game, but the final score was the least important takeaway from the season opener.