Now a senior, Jayden Nascimento has heard all the modern-day pregame versions of coachspeak, where players are reminded not to play selfishly, and instead are prodded to focus efforts toward the greater good. “Our coach (Dan Curcione) talks all the time about playing for your teammates, your brothers,” the Donovan Catholic fullback and middle linebacker said. On Friday night, when Donovan Catholic takes the field in Absecon against Holy Spirit in the first round of the NJSIAA Non-Public B playoffs, Jayden Nascimento will be playing for a brother – his.
On Oct. 11, Gavin Nascimento, Jayden’s 16-year-old brother, suffered a grisly and freakish injury, when he broke two lower-leg bones – one of them piercing the skin. Since that afternoon in Jackson Township, Gavin has endured seven surgeries, unimaginable pain and a dangerous infection.
During a 27-day hospital stay, which could last one or two weeks longer, Gavin has shown courage, resilience and toughness that has inspired his family, team and community. Donovan Catholic players surround an injured Gavin Nascimento as he is put on a stretcher to be taken to the hospital during the football game between Jackson Memorial and Donovan Catholic at Jackson Memorial High School in Jackson, NJ on 10/11/24. Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media Jayden Nascimento was on the field when Gavin took a wildcat direct snap on a play Donovan calls “Rebel,” the same play it scored on in an earlier game at Jackson Memorial 27 days ago.
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