Members of the Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School football team had a tough decision to make Saturday -- to play or not to play their Section 4AA playoff game against Medford.

They had just learned that senior wide receiver and cornerback Brady Hruska of Waterville had died after his boat capsized on Lake Elysian in southern Minnesota. He had been duck hunting with four friends when their boat overturned about 6 a.m. Four of the teens made it to shore; two were hospitalized, Waseca County sheriff's officials said. Family and friends waited on the dock during the search. By late morning, his body was recovered.

Hours later, seniors on the team decided Hruska would want them to play. Principal John Kaplan told KEYC-TV in Mankato that they wanted to honor their teammate and their classmate. Fans painted Hruska's No. 2 on their faces and team members wore his number on their helmets.

The Buccaneers beat the Medford Tigers 34-21.

PAMELA HUEY