Bassett High football players raising money to support the military

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BASSETT (WSLS 10) - Bassett High senior Devyn Clark estimates that between 80 and 100 people have purchased a "Troop Dreams" towel and a miniature American flag this week, exceeding his expectation.

"I have family that's in the military, so I feel like they respect them just as much as I do and I feel like they actually want to help the military," Clark explained.

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He, Dylan McKinney, Justin Taylor, Thomas Philpott, Seven Ziegler and Demontay Wimbush sold the towels and flags during the school's lunch periods all week.

The idea came from an e-mail Clark received from an online football recruiting group he is a part of.

It also encouraged holding a military appreciation game, which the team decided to do Friday.

"I thought that having a game that is honored for them would make them feel good," said Clark.

Flags and towels will be sold at the game for $5 and donations for the "Troop Dreams" organization will be collected.

Head coach James Gilbert said the team tries to do something each month to honor the military, but seeing the players make this extra effort makes him excited knowing that he has players like this on his team.

"There's people around that buy tickets every day and serve in the military and give us the freedom to play the game," Gilbert pointed out. "I think it's important that our players understand that."

Troop Dreams will use the money to help a local military family.

Clark hopes to be able to recognize the family at a future game.