Eight teams in East Tennessee that did not make the playoffs will suit up for a cause in a 6th Annual CAREacter Star Community Service Football Game, all in support of a special 10-year old named Gunner.
Gunner Smith was diagnosed with brain cancer on August 20, 2017, and has been receiving radiation treatments. Thursday night he was able to just be a kid on the sideline of a football game.
"It's been amazing," said Gunner. "I've been to football games before, but not this close."
Sunbright vs. Concord Christian was the first of four games this week put on by the Care 365 Program. All the proceeds go toward Gunner's medical expenses.
All eight teams volunteered their time along with the officials, concession workers and paramedics.
"It means that they're supporting me, and I love people who support me," said Gunner.
Gunner, or 'The Gun Show', as some call him, has been strong throughout it all.
"We thought it was going to be myself and my wife that were going to have to be the rock for him, and the amazing thing is he's been the rock for our family," said Gunner's dad, Brandon Smith.
In December, he'll begin 42 weeks of chemo therapy. Just like an athlete, he'll have his sights set on winning each day.
"We're going to go win today," said Brandon. "He's bought into it, he believes in that and every day his goal is to go out there and go get a win."
There will be three games played on Saturday benefiting the Smith family. Tickets are $10.00 per game.
11:00 a.m. Scott County vs. North Greene
2:30 p.m. Wartburg Central vs. Gatlinburg-Pitman
6:00 p.m. Brainerd vs. Carter