ELLAVILLE — Chad Fullman and the Schley County Wildcats are excited to be in the playoffs. They’re in the postseason for a second-consecutive season, and their challenge tonight is No. 2 Wilcox County.

And when warm-ups roll around tonight, Fullman will have a thousand thoughts running through his mind.

The Schley County sophomore will be making sure he gets his assignments done right while staying focused as the Wildcats play No. 2 Wilcox County in the second round of the Class A playoffs.

But when he looks to the sidelines, he won’t see his No. 1 fan — his father Robert.

“He went to every football game. He was there for all the catwalks, all the away games,” he said. “I definitely think about him 24-7 during warm-ups. He was always on the sidelines at the fence watching.”

The last 33 days have been harder than ever for Fullman.

Schley County had just beaten Pacelli on Oct. 10 for homecoming 28-7 in a key region game. Fullman and his girlfriend Stephanie Veatch went through all the homecoming festivities on Saturday, and he was having a quiet day at home that Sunday.

He noticed his father’s car outside, but he just figured he carpooled to work. His stepmother Brenda was also at work and looking for him. Then around 8 p.m., a young man’s life was changed forever.

“I went to take a shower and about as soon as I did, my girlfriend knocked on the door and told me I needed to come out,” said Fullman. “I had heard a scream, but I didn’t know what it was. It turned out Brenda went in my dad’s room and opened up the closet and found my dad there (deceased).

“I was just overwhelmed. It was all just a big shock to me. I had talked to my dad and gave him a hug (the day before), and he wished me good luck at the dance. I didn’t know what to do. I felt lost, really.”

Fullman wasn’t alone long. He went to a friend’s house after the incident, and most of the team was there along with other friends and loved ones in a matter of minutes.

“It was hard — he lives two houses down from me,” said senior Josh Patterson. “I was one of the first ones there. I just went over there and told him if he needed anything that I’m there for him. I know a million told him that. I wanted to be a friend he could talk to, a shoulder to cry on. I know I can’t say anything to make things better, but I wanted him to know I was there.”

Fullman and his father were best friends — they discussed his football games from Friday night, they watched the Georgia games together on Saturday, and they talked about life all the time. His dad was the one who cooked supper at night, and he was “one of the boys.”

So it was hard trying to make it through the next week without him.

Fullman didn’t practice that week, which was fall break, but showed up on Wednesday to show the same support the team had already given him. Visitation was Thursday and the funeral on Friday, and Fullman said he could barely survive it all.

“That was a hard week, nothing but pain,” he said. “That was the worst experience ever pretty much.

“Football’s been something to get my mind off everything. And coach Mac (Jim McFather) was a big part of everything to get me through. He’s really like my second dad.”

Fullman said he became the man of the house, and McFather tried to help ease the pain because he knew what it was like having to be in control of the household.

“I was 16 when my parents got killed, so I could relate somewhat,” said McFather. “Sometimes you wonder why God puts you through those things, and maybe it was to help this young fellow out. You need to have a father figure in your life, and several coaches were willing to do that. We prayed for him, and we held him. At 45, I wish I could be held by my dad. I told him to let it out and cry. I think that helped.”

Two weeks passed and Fullman still struggled, but he and Patterson started forming a close bond. They were talking in class one day when Patterson learned Fullman’s father was an avid hunter. Patterson offered to take Fullman with him, and the two of them along with Andy Miller went hunting one Saturday in which they killed a hog.

Fullman said Patterson’s friendship has helped the void that his father left.

“He was there to tell me he loved me every day and pick me up if I looked down,” he said. “He took the most time out to spend with me, and that probably means the most.”

Schley County played Webster County on Oct. 31 for a chance to set up a region championship bout the next week. The Wildcats won 60-22, but the play of the game came from Fullman. He intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown.

Patterson said the whole team was jumping up and down running down the sideline as he took it in for a score.

“I couldn’t describe the joy I felt when he crossed the goal line,” he said. “I thought in the back of mind and just praying he’d make the goal line. There was feeling of joy all around. We were urging him over the goal line.”

“I just knew when I did that, I looked up toward heaven and everything, and I knew he was watching me and was proud of me,” said Fullman. “I looked up and pointed to the sky. Then I ran and jumped in Trae Mann’s arms.”

Fullman said he’s learned a lot and has started making changes in his life. One thing has been his participation in church. He said his grandmother who lives in Macon bought him a Bible and has started going with Veatch to Heritage Church of God.

“I don’t want to take anybody for granted,” he said. “I always want to show somebody love when they’re going to leave. I’m trying to quit some bad habits and staying out late.”

Veatch said there was two ways he could have reacted to the situation — become bitter or grow from it. She said he’s down the latter.

“He’s still thinking about his daddy every day, and he knows he has to grow from it,” she said. “It’s been very hard, but he’s moving on to the future.”

Fullman doesn’t want tonight’s game to be his last of the season — for the team or his dad. He said one thing will help his team win tonight as well as remember his dad.

“Heart,” he said. “A will of who wants it more. I feel like we can go out and do whatever we want. My dad, all I can say is I miss him.”