DAPHNE, Ala. — Sometimes a ride home is just a ride. And sometimes, it's the lift of a lifetime.

Daphne senior defensive back Chris Hill and Trojan offensive line coach Milton Sutton had been down that road together many times before. It was the third week of November and the Daphne football team was preparing for the 6A semifinals with Davidson that Friday.

“Where Chris lived was on my way home,” Sutton said. “We all, all the coaches, give the kids rides home all the time. Even if it’s out of the way. Either way, you just don't think about it. I just feel like God put me there that particular day for a reason and led me to be there for Chris.”

And so one ride home late in the 2010 season ended with things to think about and decisions to be made. At the time Hill had been living with his father who had been out of work for months.

The twice-named Trojan Player of the Week and Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award nominee for DHS said the power at his house had been turned off before, but he soon realized something was different.

“Coach Sutton drove me home and we saw all the lights were off. His (father’s) car wasn’t there. I went to the back and I knew he wasn't home and the doors were locked. So, I went through a window and tried to turn the lights on. Then, I saw things were missing, all his clothes were gone. Coach asked me if everything was all right and I said, ‘I don't know.’ I tried to call my dad, but couldn't get in contact with him. So, coach Sutton took me home with him.”

To read the full story of Chris Hill's remarkable life, pick up our Friday, February 11 edition.