COEUR d’ALENE — After a rough week of student threats and investigations, Lake City High School freshman football players provided a dose of hope for a stressed community.

Four players — Noah Martinez, No. 7; Matthew Whitcomb, No. 10; Aiden Fink, No. 2; and Jace Bowman, No. 88 — take a knee and pray every game, but the sight of them praying before Thursday's home game against Coeur d'Alene High School really struck a chord with those in attendance.

"As our community came out to support the boys, the love for our high school was evident," said Noah's mom, Becky Martinez. "The only reminder of the rough week was the police presence, there for additional security. In the rain and cold, families came together to cheer on the boys and LCHS."

She said the boys usually pray in the end zone as the warm-up clock ticks to zero, praying for the safety of all the players, good attitudes and, yes, even a win.

When they continued that ritual Thursday, it lifted up hearts that were heavy from a chaotic week of uncertainty.

"In light of all the fear, they did what they have done every game, but this time it had an even more significant meaning," Becky said. "With all the fear and negativity of the week, it was refreshing to see students take a stand — or a knee — for something positive and out of love."

She said as the mom of No. 7, who is also freshman class president, she's inspired by her son's actions.

"I’m really proud to have a child that loves his school and wants to be a positive example and show that love wins over hate," she said.

Coeur d’Alene won the game.