Rosamond HS football team dedicates game to fallen teammate

ACTON, Calif. (KABC) -- A day after their teammate died in a gun accident, the Rosamond High School Roadrunners took the field in tribute to the fallen star running back.

Sheriff's investigators say the 14-year-old was apparently handling a shotgun that suddenly went off, hitting him in the chest and killing him while at an apartment in Rosamond on Thursday.

The next day, the junior varsity football team decided to go on with their game against the Vasquez High School Mustangs, dedicating their play to fallen No. 3.

The team captains held the jersey of their teammate during the coin toss, while fans held up signs in his honor.

"It's hard to put into perspective how you deal with it," said head coach Kris Krempien. "The guys really struggled with it. But they're out here. ... The boys wanted to play the game and that's why we're here."

During the game, one player was badly injured on the field with a knee to the chest and had to be airlifted to a local hospital. His exact condition was not available.