The Pee Dee SC High School Football team has just received the collapse of their player and coach on the pitch as the year 2025 begins.
The start of 2025 has been marked by profound sadness for the Pee Dee SC High School football community. The beloved player and coach of the team tragically collapsed on the field during a routine practice session on January 1st, leaving the entire school, town, and state in shock.
The incident occurred early in the afternoon on the first day of the new year when the team gathered for a pre-season workout at their practice field in the heart of Pee Dee, South Carolina. What began as a day filled with hope and anticipation for the upcoming football season quickly turned into one of the most heart-wrenching events in the team’s history.
Coach Mark Edwards, who had led the Pee Dee SC football team for nearly a decade, and senior player Anthony “Tony” James, one of the team’s star athletes, suddenly collapsed during a team drill. What followed was a rapid and intense effort from teammates and emergency responders to save their lives, but despite their best efforts, both Edwards and James were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Start of a New Year Turned Tragic
The Pee Dee SC football team was gearing up for an exciting season, as many of the players had spent the off-season training harder than ever before. Coach Mark Edwards, known for his dedication to the game and his players, was deeply invested in mentoring his athletes not just as football players, but as individuals. Edwards, 49, had been with the team since 2015, leading them to several winning seasons and helping to build a culture of hard work and discipline. His leadership was invaluable, and his loss is felt deeply across the community.
Witnesses to the incident recall the moments leading up to the collapse as utterly surreal. “We were going through a routine warm-up when I saw Coach Edwards stop and clutch his chest,” said quarterback Tyler Mason. “At first, we thought it was a cramp or something minor, but then Tony collapsed right next to him. Everyone froze. It felt like time stopped. We rushed to help, and the coaches and trainers jumped into action immediately.”
The practice field, once filled with the energy of young athletes eager to start the season, was now eerily quiet. Fellow teammates, some in tears, worked alongside paramedics as they performed CPR on both Edwards and James. Tragically, despite these heroic efforts, both were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Pee Dee Regional Medical Center.
An Outpouring of Grief and Support
The news of the tragedy rippled through the small town of Pee Dee and beyond, spreading throughout South Carolina and the larger high school football community. The town, known for its tight-knit relationships, has been left devastated by the loss of two beloved figures.
“We are absolutely heartbroken,” said Amanda Harrison, a close friend of the Edwards family. “Mark Edwards wasn’t just a coach. He was a father figure to so many of these boys. And Tony was like a son to him. This loss is indescribable.”
Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with tributes from alumni, players, and fans of the Pee Dee SC football program. Former players took to social media to share their fondest memories of Coach Edwards and Tony James. “Coach Edwards believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” wrote Jake Thompson, a former player. “He was more than a coach; he was family. Tony was always the hardest worker on the field. His drive inspired all of us. I can’t believe they’re gone.”
The football community at large has expressed its sorrow. Many rival schools and players have shown support, with local high schools around Pee Dee SC offering to organize tribute games, fundraisers, and memorials for the two individuals who meant so much to so many.
Cause of the Collapse
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation by medical professionals, though early reports suggest that both Edwards and James may have suffered from underlying medical conditions. Family members and friends have asked for privacy as they wait for answers. The school district, as well as local authorities, have promised a thorough investigation to determine if any external factors contributed to the tragic event.
In the wake of the incident, many in the community have raised concerns about the physical demands of high school sports, particularly regarding the safety protocols in place. It is unclear whether this tragedy will lead to new safety measures for high school athletic programs in the area, but experts are urging school districts to take extra precautions to monitor the health of athletes and coaches.
A Community United in Grief
As the town of Pee Dee rallies around the grieving families, many are organizing events to honor the memory of Coach Edwards and Tony James. A candlelight vigil is set to take place later this week at the football field, where the team will come together to mourn their losses and reflect on the legacies of two men who touched so many lives.
The Pee Dee SC football team has also announced plans to retire Tony James’s jersey number in his honor and to create a scholarship fund in both his and Coach Edwards’s names. “Tony and Coach Edwards were the heart and soul of this team,” said Principal Rebecca Stevens. “We will make sure they are never forgotten, and their spirit will continue to guide this team for years to come.”
In the coming weeks, the Pee Dee community will hold a public memorial service at the high school. Students, parents, faculty, and alumni are expected to gather in support of the families and the school, as they try to find solace during this incredibly difficult time.
Looking Ahead
Despite the overwhelming grief and sadness, there is a shared determination among the students, faculty, and community members to honor the legacies of Coach Edwards and Tony James. The football team, though devastated by the loss of their coach and star player, plans to continue playing in their honor. The team is committed to carrying forward the lessons they learned from their late coach—lessons of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of family.
The tragic loss of Coach Mark Edwards and Anthony James has left a deep void in the Pee Dee SC High School community, but it has also brought the community together in solidarity and strength. As they move forward, they will do so with heavy hearts, but with the understanding that the legacies of these two remarkable individuals will never be forgotten.
While the grief is immeasurable, the love and respect for Coach Edwards and Tony James will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know them.
