Football game for Hamilton high school student stabbed to death draws hundreds

The crowd spilled in through the gates, grabbing pizza slices and throwing on their purple t-shirts before finding a vacant patch of grass to watch the big game. They were there to watch, but more importantly, to remember the 14-year-old boy whose life was taken days ago not far from the football field. 

Devan Bracci-Selvey's life was taken Monday, after he was stabbed behind his high school, Sir Winston Churchill Secondary, before his mother's eyes. Following an emotionally charged Wednesday night vigil outside the front of the school, which drew hundreds, Thursday night's football game was a slightly happier occasion dedicated to Bracci-Selvey's memory.

A mix of present and past students, parents and community members — almost all wearing Bracci-Selvey's favourite colour, purple — showed up to form quite the sizable crowd for high school football standards. The game, along with the rest of the season, were dedicated to the slain boy and his family by Coach Kevin Harrison. 

"As tragic as this is, this is not a reflection of SWC High School and the residents of East End Hamilton," Harrison said in a Facebook post. "The recent tragedy has affected us all ... my heart truly aches for Devans family and his friends."

Bracci-Selvey's funeral is scheduled to take place on Saturday.