18,099 yards. 239 touchdowns. Two state championship appearances and the 2017 UIL Class 3A-Division I Championship.

There’s not much Mineola seniors Jeremiah Crawford and Chantz Perkins haven’t done. And now they’ll try their hands on creating that same magic at different institutions as the two teammates and best friends signed national letters of intent Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Mineola School Administration Building.

It’s no secret that Crawford and Perkins are arguably the two best players in school history. The two seniors have led Mineola to a 40-7 record the past three years and were the offensive identity for a unit that set numerous school records. According to Head Coach Joe Drennon, the joy in watching the two young men during the past few years was not in the wins they accumulated but the maturation of two boys into leaders of men.

“I think, number one, I’ve been very fortunate to watch them grow up,” said Drennon.“Both these guys started for us as freshmen and the time from when they were freshman to right now, there is a world of difference in how they carry themselves, how they act and the way they played on the field. The maturity that has come along with it is tremendous.”

It was only two weeks ago when both players were sure that they would continue their education and playing career together. Crawford and Perkins visited ETBU and came away impressed. But as signing day approached Crawford felt it would be beneficial and more of a challenge if the two brothers-in-arms went their separate ways - with the possibility of reuniting after Crawford’s tenure at TJC comes to an end.

“We talked about it for a while but I felt like we needed to part ways and play somewhere else,” Crawford said.“It would help us to create the same thing we had with each other with someone else. It’s going to be hard not having my brother with me through all the good and bad times but I think we made a good decision.”

A good decision for both players but one bittersweet in nature.

“It’s going to be different and I’m going to miss my brother being there on the field with me,” said Perkins.“But at ETBU I think I’m going to make new brothers and new friends. I’m just ready to get out there and work my tail off, earn a spot and contribute anyway I can to make the team better.”

As much as Crawford and Perkins have given to Mineola, they feel as though the community that supports them has given much more. The community has supported them, win or lose, they have built them up, through good times and bad, and they have raised them as their own.

If it takes a village, then Mineola is the loveliest one in the piney hills of East Texas.

“Mineola has done a lot for me,” said Crawford.“The community gives back so much and the coaching staff makes you into a better person. Both have given me the mentality of a winner and a champion. It’s hard to put into words what my home and community means to me.”

Although both Crawford and Perkins were not born in Mineola they have spent the formative years of their live there. Its more than just the place where they have lived and will graduate high school, it’s their home.

“They’ve treated us like we were their own sons,” Perkins said.“Whether it’s Coach Drennon, the administration office, the teachers or the people in our community; everyone treats us like family. And that’s what we are here in Mineola, one big family. And I couldn’t tell you how blessed I am to have moved here and been able to be a part of this town.”

It’s a given that members of the community beam with pride when discussing their hometown heroes. But no one will feel more pride and joy from the successes of these two young men than the most important women in their lives.

“We feel incredibly blessed about the last four years and the success they have had,” said Perkin’s mother Sandy. “It’s been a community effort to get here and we’re looking forward to see what Chantz accomplishes next.”

“I feel that the years they had here at Mineola have been a great opportunity and challenge for them. And they’ve done a great job together,” said Linda Smith, Crawford’s grandmother. “We’re excited to see Jeremiah enter the second phase of his life and I feel it’s a great move for him. And he’ll be successful if he puts God first because all things are possible through him.”

Signing letters of intent are not just about football.

It’s a commitment to an education provided through personal talents. And something Crawford’s and Perkin’s coach knows they’ll take seriously in order to provide a quality life after football.

“I hope to see them both be very successful,” Drennon said. “The number one thing I hope they do is get an education. If they’ll take care of the classroom then football will take care of itself. That’s what we’ve always told our kids, just take care of that classroom and life is going to happen to you in a better way. And I hope they’re successful in their football career as well. There’s no reason that they can’t be because they are both very talented.”

“And they’re good men.”