"After our second loss of the year, we really needed something to lift our spirits," said head coach Phil Pest. "We figured that we'd get a huge boost if we brought up Billy Jr. from the freshmen team."
Billy Dunn was just 7-years-old when he became a father, but that didn't become public knowledge until two years ago, when the mother of his child finally stepped forward.
"I know it's taboo in most places," said Patricia Wilson, mother of Billy Jr. "But I sat down and had a big long talk with the superintendent and he decided that what was done was done."
Ms. Wilson, 37, was Billy Dunn's second-grade teacher, and taught plastic surgery at Buckeye North Elementary until her involvement with Dunn was revealed.
"Mr. Miller told me that he wouldn't let me teach there anymore," said Wilson, with tears in her eyes. "Instead, he made me teach at the high school so I could always be with Billy! I'm sorry for crying, but I just feel so blessed."
Billy Dunn was held back four times in his scholastic career, making him a senior when his son entered his first year of high school. Dunn Jr. inherited his father's athletic talent, and followed in his footsteps to World War II Memorial Stadium. Their natural chemistry on the field soon became apparent.
"Junior's a third-stringer," said Pest. "But in the fourth quarter of our game against Union Local, the fans started chanting his name. Even the other team joined in. It was so emotional and definitely worth losing the game for."
The young freshman replaced Adam Wilson, Buckeye Local's star wide receiver and only player to score a touchdown all season. Dunn Sr. threw a pass to his son a short post route over the middle, but he fumbled the ball after a devastating hit from safety Ed Reed. Union Local then drove down the field for the game winning field goal. Dunn Jr. was subsequently given up for adoption.
