By Bill Nestor
During the fall, one of the early signs of football season is the start of the Friday Free For All Radio Show. Hosts Alex Wiederspiel and Chris Johnson have all of the local radio voices on, including the voice of the Cougars, Craig Dutton, to preview and review all of the recent contests. Typically it’s an upbeat and exciting show, but this past week, I was a guest on the show a few weeks early for an unfortunate occasion.
Former Robert C. byrd standout Jermod “Rah Rah” Garrett had recently passed away on June 20 and they wanted to take a look at his career. On the field from day one, he made an impact. Rah rah spent the majority of his sophomore season cheering on his teammates while waiting for his opportunity. With two games left in the regular season, he found the field.
The Flying Eagles were in the hunt for the playoffs and were hosting powerhouse Parkersburg South. Head Coach Josh Gorrell needed a spark and he inserted Garrett in the lineup. The super sophomore played well, but the Patriots claimed the win. RCB had to get a road win at Lewis County in the regular season finale to make the playoff scene and, with Rah Rah’s help, they did.
It brought a trip to Morgantown in the opening round. Even though the Flying Eagles suffered a 45 to 29 loss, Garrett played well, scoring a defensive touchdown in the setback.
The offseason is where he made his biggest strides. His work ethic was unmatched and it set the table for what was one of the most impressive offensive campaigns ever seen in the area. In 2011, Garrett recorded double-digits in tackles in every single game of the season, a remarkable feat. He also scored three defensive touchdowns that year in one of the most dominating efforts from any linebacker in school history.
Rah Rah was the man in the middle and the next year he helped RCB to an 11 and two mark under first year Head Coach Bruce carey. Ironically, many times in high school football, teams will rest players on defense and focus their time on offense. With Garrett, his role was reversed. His focus was on the defensive side of the ball. He only carried the ball 14 times his senior year with his main focus on creating havoc on opposing teams’ offenses.
Rah Rah has been the most intense player that I’ve ever seen play for RCB. In the 30 years of covering Flying Eagle games, there has never been a more intense player roaming the sidelines. You know they tell you not to fed the bears – well you better not try to talk to Rah Rah before a game either, and honestly I think I would have taken my chances with the bear.
I loved that focus that he had. The “all business” approach to the game that Garrett had was the way I felt it should be and I respected it. His main focus was winning and he would trade every single tackle and touchdown for a win.
Rah Rah also served in the West Virginia National Guard for seven years after high school, showing his love and commitment to our country.
Life goes by so fast and it doesn’t stop. Therefore, we seldom take the time to reflect until it is too late. If I could, I would have told him that he was an incredible player and I would have thanked him for his service. Here is to remembering Jermodd “Rah Rah” Garrett
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . Take care and God Bless!!!
