‘I knew she was watching. I had to make her proud’ Hoggard’s Hoerdemann remembers mother with inspiring performance

Junior defensive end pointed to the sky after a 3rd down sack in the 4th quarter Friday

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – Needing a big play on a third down in the 4th quarter, Viking defensive end Everett Hoerdemann secured a sack – something he’s done a team-leading seven times this season now. But he pulled out a brand-new celebration. Instinctively, he pointed to the sky as his head was in the clouds.

Just days before, his mother Donna passed after a courageous battle with Stage Four lung cancer. The emotion was palpable all night, but for Everett, playing in the game was never a question.

“I made that play and I just felt her spirit come in to me and I just pointed up… I knew she was watching I had to make her proud,” said Hoerdemann after the game. “Football just helps me. I couldn’t imagine myself not playing. I know my mom would have really wanted me to.” Like many moms, Donna was a fixture at Hoggard athletic events, even taking Everett to Viking Friday night games before his time in high school. She was an unofficial ‘mom’ for many of Everett’s friends. The whole team wore ‘D’ decals on their helmets, with Everett’s personalized, reading ‘Mom’.

“She just raised me to always try my best and just give it my all and to just be humble. That’s what’s really helping me. I know I’m not always humble, but she just taught me well and raised me right.”

Admittedly settling into the game in the first half, Hoerdemann then went ballistic in the final period, securing multiple pressures, tackles, and sacks in the 4th quarter alone – plays that helped his Vikings secure victory in round 2 of the NCHSAA playoffs against Leesville Road. His head coach Craig Underwood says he’s proud how they beat the Pride.

“Our defense put this thing on their shoulders tonight,” said Underwood. “You talk about a unit that has battled adversity in so many different ways – from injuries, family situations, other things throughout the year. It has brought them so close together and you have a chance when you’re playing like that this time of year.”

The Vikings’ team went over to the Hoerdemann home after practice Tuesday after Donna’s passing to attempt to console Everett on the hardest day of his life. Underwood adds he wants football to not be a burden, but an outlet if he wanted. But more than wanted, Everett needed it. Coach thinks the team needed him too.

“The players just responded so well. The way the guys rallied around him all week it was humbling as a coach to see. Just the mental toughness to get out and play tonight with everything he is dealing with… it set the tone for our team, and I think the guys put the accountability of playing for each other, but especially for him.

“I could personally call anyone on this team and hangout with them,” said Everett about his teammates and how close they are. “I love all my brothers. They’ve all been here for me. Especially the coaches. I love this team so much with all my heart.”

“He’s been a player since the beginning of the season, but his growth throughout the year, his effort… he is a special kid.”

The Vikings’ season continues this Friday. Round three will be at Scott Braswell Stadium hosting Millbrook with a 7 p.m. start time.