#64 Dustin Poss, #59 Darrien Guy, #28 Carson Pachner, and #22 Levi Basler started each contest by honoring teammate Bridger Reese and carrying his jersey to the coin toss with them. Akron's team captain, #12 Bridger Reese, sustained an extremely rare pancreatic injury during a football game on October 14th, 2016 resulting in the abrupt end to his football career. Reese remained hospitalized for four months due to several post-injury complications which took a toll on his family, team, and community. Later in the year, Akron advanced to the state championship football game where Reese was able to leave the hospital for a short period of time and walk out onto the field with the help of his teammates. Although Bridger was emotional, he was given a standing ovation by both teams. Reese is currently out of the hospital and fairly healthy, but is forced to remain vigilant in monitoring his injury.