ARTHUR, Ill. — The bonds within the Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School community run deep, with many families and athletes sharing lifelong connections. Such ties became even more evident in 2022 when tragedy struck, and the community rallied in support.

That year, the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Lucas Otto, a beloved former baseball and football player, in a car accident left a void felt by everyone. The outpouring of support for his family, particularly for his younger brother Marcus, was a testament to the community’s strength.

“When we lost Lucas, Marcus was just a seventh grader,” recalled Knights head coach Ryan Jefferson. “I made it a point to check in on him regularly during his eighth-grade year.”

Fast forward three years, and the Knights are on the cusp of reaching the state championship game, with Marcus Otto now leading the team as their quarterback.

“I’ve known Marcus since we were kids,” said Easton Frederick, the Knights’ running back. “Watching him grow through everything he’s endured and seeing his development as a person is inspiring. I have unwavering confidence in him. No matter where he is on the field, I trust he’ll make a play.”

Otto has shown the maturity of a much older player both on and off the field, and that comes from knowing what Lucas would want him to do.

“I look up there and it’s like a reminder of why I’m out here playing,” said Marcus. “I’m playing for him. I’m playing for like, what he stood for. I know that he would want me to stay strong, and I know that he would always want me to succeed and keep going no matter what.”

Otto and the Knights will play for a spot in the state championship game on Saturday at 2 p.m.

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