It was the fourth quarter. The Blue Jays were losing to Park Hill, 17-21.

The morale of Blue Jay fans and players was low. Park Hill was at the 39-yard line.

In the total blackness, the floodlights illuminated the pass Park Hill’s

quarterback threw toward player 89. If 89 caught the ball, Park Hill could score.

It was almost like spotlights were on them as junior Karrell Simpson and 89 leaped for the ball.

Time slowed as everyone watched the two reach. A silent, yet audible, gasp escaped from both crowds.

When they came down, Simpson had the ball. The Blue Jays went wild.

Two raw emotions could be felt in the stadium. From the Blue Jays, the deafening

roar of a team who had a chance to win the game.

From Park Hill’s side, a mood of disappointment, knowing a crucial play had been made. Thanks to Simpson and his team, the Blue Jays won.

Simpson says this is his new favorite memory playing for the Jays.

In addition to football, Simpson is a member of the choir, the basketball team, a LINK Leader and was nominated to be a member of the National Honor Society.

Being nominated for the National Honor Society was a recent accomplishment for Simpson.

To be nominated, Simpson needed to show traits of character, leadership, servitude and a curiosity to learn.

Simpson displays character and leadership on the football field.

“Karrell always gives maximum effort,” teammate junior Ryan Olivas said. “He’s always giving it his full, he always hustles to the ball. You’ll never see him slacking off.”

Simpson also serves the incoming freshmen by being a positive influence in their lives and helping them transition into high school through the Link Crew.

“I really like to help people, so I like helping the freshmen,” Simpson said. “I hope I’ve impacted their lives.”

He has always had a desire to learn new information no matter the subject.

“Karrell was just always willing to learn,” math teacher Matt Kiser said. “He was a good addition to my Advanced Algebra II class.”

Simpson will find out later this fall if he becomes a member of the National Honor Society.

Simpson also has a love for music, thanks to his dad, who was a music major in college. As a result, he joined choir.

“For choir, my favorite memory is when I suited up for football and got to sing the national anthem in my football pads,” Simpson said.

His love of music carries on after school. Simpson can be found practicing music even during extra-curricular activities.

“I’m starting to try to be a DJ,” he said. “I want to go to college to be an audio engineer and a producer, so I’m working on music a lot.”