Sports

High school kicker dedicates football season to a good cause

CANONSBURG, Pa. — The kicker is probably the least talked about position on a football team, until they miss, but for Canon-McMillan’s Ben Popko, he can’t miss as he’s dedicating his season to helping raise money that’ll benefit childhood cancer research.

“I felt like it would help the community and help bring them together so I figured it was worth it,” Popko said. “The community gives us so much for the football team it’s about time we give something back to them.”

This story hits close to home for students at Canon-McMillan as they lost one of their own, Luke Blanock, who lost his bout with cancer in 2016.

“He’s had a huge impact here. Every kid here knows his name,” Popko said. “Everything in Canon-Mac is Luke Strong. It’s a huge thing coming through and if this money can help another kid come through that’s all that matters for us.”

The junior kicker is accepting pledges and donations for each field goal and extra point made during the season, making his job for the Big Macs, really big.

“Trying to think it’s just the same thing in practice,” Popko said. “I mean a kick is the same distance. A 35 yard kick in practice it’s the same thing in a game. As long as you keep your head clear and know you’re helping the team.”

But we now know he’s helping more than just his teammates.

To learn more visit the Alex's Lemonade website.

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