Phillips Funeral Home makes donation to CHS Football Program

Displaying the JUGS Football Machine donated to the California High School Football Program by Phillips Funeral Home, California, Thursday at the CHS weight room, from left, are Phillips Funeral Home Director Bobby Roll and owner Kevin Simpson, with CHS Activities Director Rick Edwards, who is also an assistant football coach at CHS, as well as the California Middle School Activities Director and CMS Assistant Principal.
Displaying the JUGS Football Machine donated to the California High School Football Program by Phillips Funeral Home, California, Thursday at the CHS weight room, from left, are Phillips Funeral Home Director Bobby Roll and owner Kevin Simpson, with CHS Activities Director Rick Edwards, who is also an assistant football coach at CHS, as well as the California Middle School Activities Director and CMS Assistant Principal.

Phillips Funeral Home, California, recently donated a JUGS Football Machine to the California High School Football Program. This particular piece of equipment throws perfect passes, punts and kickoffs to any precise spot on the field. Players can practice catching perfect spirals or end-over-end kicks at any chosen speed or distance from 5-80 yards.

Phillips Funeral Home owner Kevin Simpson said he purchased the machine about a year ago for his son, who ultimately injured his arm.

"The day after we got it, my son, who is a senior at Eldon, had to have career-ending shoulder surgery," Simpson said. "I thought donating it to CHS would be a great way to help the community. We want to be known as part of the community and we want people to know we're here to serve and give back to the community."

"This is an extremely nice donation," CHS Activities Director Rick Edwards said. "It's a luxury really, something we wouldn't have bought, but certainly could use. JUGS makes good quality equipment."

Edwards, who is also an assistant football coach at CHS, as well as the California Middle School Activities Director and CMS Assistant Principal, added, "It's encouraging as a coach to know you have people in the community behind you."

Speaking of donations, Edwards added, "Our weight room was 100% donated by public funds. It's not fancy, but it's just what we need. Community support is important and so appreciated."

If purchased new, the machine would cost approximately $2500.

Edwards said the Pintos would put it to use right away during camp, and then practice.