Tragedy struck the Southfield Bluejays football program this week with the drowning death of starting defensive end Darius Cooley Monday. As a junior last fall, Cooley was a high-energy pass-rush presence for the 'Jays on a squad that claimed league, district and regional crowns and made a run into the D2 final four.

Burney's heart aches for the entire Southfield community. This is truly terrible in so many ways, something 16 and 17 year old shouldn't have to deal with. Sadly, the whole 'Jays Nation will be forced to grow up way faster than they should in dealing with this untimely loss, a passing I myself am still trying to wrap my head around after getting the news earlier today. Memories of the 1992 drowning deaths of Birmingham Detroit Country Day athletes Corey Jones and Paul Bradley can't help be evoked – a local prep sports cultural touchstone for those of us that grew up in the 1990s. Like with Jones and Bradley, Darius Cooley is gone way too soon. And will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him. RIP, brother!!