“Bigger than football”: Eastside, Riverside come together for Hurricane Helene relief

Eastside football players help pass out meals to members of the Taylors/Greer community affected by Hurricane Helene. 

They might be fierce rivals under the lights, but Riverside and Eastside Football are coming together for a good cause before Friday night’s matchup.

The Eagles and Warriors will collaborate to collect supplies for victims of Hurricane Helene.

Canned food items and blankets will be taken at the gate ahead of their Oct. 11 cross-town clash.

Eastside head coach Andre Woolcock and Riverside head coach Matt Rochester collaborated on the idea.

“You know, we actually like each other, believe it or not,” joked Woolcock. “Even as coaches at rival schools, we’re good friends. But we realized we had an opportunity to help those out who were less fortunate than us during the hurricane. I wouldn’t wish what they’re going through on my worst enemy.”

“Coach Woolcock brought the idea to me and I thought it sounded amazing,” said Rochester. “He’s a good man and I know the morals he leans on. Even though when we step between those lines, our teams are rivals, we both know this is bigger than football.”

This isn’t either program’s first response to Hurricane Helene ravaging the Carolinas. Last week, Eastside Football hosted a free lunch for community members at the YMCA. Concurrently, Riverside football partnered with Fire Pit Ranch in Spartanburg — helping gather supplies and food to be shipped off to North Carolinian Hurricane victims.

Members of Riverside's football team help gather food and household supplies to be shipped to Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina.

Both coaches felt pride in seeing their respective young athletes take the initiative to serve the community.

“It means a lot to see the guys step up,” said Rochester. “In the 32 years I’ve lived here in the Upstate, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like [Hurricane] Helene. It says a lot about these players’ character. They could’ve been anywhere that day, but they showed up to help those in need instead.”

“It’s a beautiful thing to watch, seeing your players out there helping others,” said Woolcock. “These kids are servant leaders at heart.”

Those planning to attend Friday night’s Riverside at Eastside game are encouraged to bring any non-perishable canned food items or blankets. There will be a drop-off area next to the ticket-taking booth and main entrance.

In a game that means so much to so many people, Woolcock says it still isn’t difficult to find perspective.

At the end of the day, it’s just that: a game.

“I had so many people calling and texting me after the storm, asking when we were going to play football again,” said Woolcock. “I couldn’t really give an answer. And honestly, that wasn’t as important.

“What really matters is helping build these communities back. We want to do anything we can to help.”