No matter what anyone says, sports are an important part of society. They bind us. They give us shared communal experiences. They provide touchstone moments that transcend generations, on both a personal and societal level.

There are times, though, when it doesn’t feel that way, and the past week has been one of those times at Porters Chapel Academy.

Four of its students were injured last week when the truck they were riding in skidded off a rainy highway and hit a tree. Brandon Brister was back at practice by Monday, but just to visit. He had a walking boot on his left foot, a cast on his left arm and, he said, “sprains all over” everywhere else.

Robi Riggin and Michael Brewer had serious injuries and spent several days in the hospital. The fourth, Leon Simms, was being weaned off of heavy sedation throughout this week. He has a skull fracture.

It seems a given that none of them will be on the football field when the season opens on Aug. 19. For Brewer and Simms, playing any sport this school year might be a miracle. The future of their athletic careers obviously pales in comparison to their health. Even if we never get to see them run another play, it’ll be just as happy a day when they walk into the fieldhouse, gym or dugout to visit teammates.

The PCA community has rallied around its fallen members. The school held a prayer vigil Tuesday night. On Monday, for the team picture, spaces were left for the injured players. On Aug. 15, there will be a chicken dinner fundraiser to raise money for them.

The dinner raised about $3,500 for the small school last year. This time, PCA athletic director Wade Patrick said, all of the money will go to the families of the injured students to help offset their medical costs.

“We’re trying to figure out what we can do to help ease that burden,” Patrick said. “The money was going to go to the school. There’s bigger priorities than that now.”

Indeed there are.

The school year will start next week. Life will march on as it always does. Take a minute or two, however, and say a prayer for these guys. Even better, take a few bucks next Saturday and go buy yourself some chicken fingers.

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Ernest Bowker is a sports writer for The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at ernest.bowker@vicksburgpost.com