Scrubbing, painting, weeding, cleaning — that’s how 80 Brighton High varsity football players spent a few hours of their fall break as they spruced up East Midvale Elementary.

“We had a good practice, then a pancake breakfast and boarded a bus to come help,” said head coach Casey Sutera about his team in the playoffs. “I love coaching football and I love the game, but we’re also molding our players to be people with character and work ethic. There’s a need here and it’s an opportunity for our team to give service.”

Working alongside East Midvale’s Community School Facilitator Shelley McCall, the team tackled the list: take down outdated banners, weed gardens, clean up playground of debris, wash and touch up welcome wall, repaint gaga ball pits and hopscotch, deep wash cafeteria tables and benches, organize monthly food backpacks, hang banners in multipurpose room, reorganize storage closets, move furniture — and more. They even left a chalk message, “East Midvale Eagles Soar,” to inspire the younger students.

“The players all arrived knowing what team they were on and what they were supposed to do,” McCall said. “I was impressed with the hard work, attention to detail and focus that all the young men showed while working. With 160 hands, a lot got done.”

Sophomore Rush Larsen said the experience went beyond service.

“We’re making a difference in our community; it’s a good feeling,” he said.

Offensive line coach Tyson Aldridge said it’s a two-way learning street.

“When our players give back, they are learning there is more than football and the elementary kids are learning that too,” he said. “They see these guys as NFL players who are giving to their community.”

The players felt the connection as well.

“They come and support us at games so we’re supporting them,” senior Marshall Huber said.

Senior Loklan Cruz added: “We’re helping and as a result, their school and playground will be ready for the kids when they come back after break.”

For sophomore Sam Tauvao, it’s simple.

“I love giving back to the community,” he said. “It gives me a good heart, and I become a better individual.”