Ewing Middle School running back Hyleck Foster places a football helmet Wednesday on the head of 6-year-old Caleb Phillips before the school's first home game against McCracken. Ewing Middle dedicated the football game to the memory of assistant principal Tim Phillips, Caleb's father. (Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL) Shortly before the coin toss, Ewing Middle School running back Hyleck Foster carefully placed a helmet Wednesday on the head of 6- year-old Caleb Phillips.

Caleb and his mother, Michelle, were honorary team captains for Ewing’s first home football game against McCracken. The game between the undefeated teams was dedicated in memory of Ewing Middle Assistant Principal Tim Phillips.

Phillips, 32, passed away from a sudden illness the day before the Cherokee County School District opened for the 2009-2010 school year. Phillips became ill while returning home from a birthday party for a relative in Charleston.

TIM PHILLIPS Ewing Middle cheerleaders painted the initials “TP” on students’ faces during lunch. The students and faculty formed a tunnel down on the field for the football team’s entrance into W.K. Brumbach football stadium.

White and blue balloons were released after Phillips’ wife, Michelle, and son Caleb helped with the coin toss. After the game, Ewing Middle football coach Ric Phillips presented a game ball to Michelle.

“I’m very thankful for the faculty, staff and students of Ewing Middle School,” Michelle Phillips said. “The tribute to Tim was beautiful. Caleb and I were honored to be a part of the game.”

Tim Phillips was about to start his third year as Ewing Middle assistant principal. He previously was a science teacher at Gaffney and Ewing middle schools and also taught at Blacksburg Elementary.

“Ric Phillips came to me a couple of days before our first home game this week. His football team wanted to pay tribute to Tim by dedicating the game to his memory,” Ewing Middle Principal Dr. Denise Wooten said. “Tim was a great part of our school. He was always willing to do anything he could to help out. We really miss him.”

The emotional day ended on a bittersweet note for the Ewing Middle football team.

McCracken stopped Ewing quarterback Darryl Peak just inches from the goal line on a 2-point conversion attempt to hold on for a 24-22 win in overtime.

“It was really a great game played by two great teams,” Ewing Middle football coach Ric Phillips said. “You hate to see either team lose when the game is back and forth with both teams playing very well. Our team really played with a lot of intensity and heart but came up just a little short.”