CHANHASSEN, Minn. — Maxwell Woods is one of the top football players in the state. The Chanhassen star and his teammates are chasing a perfect season.
For Maxwell, every yard gained is a new branch in the legacy of the Woods family tree.
There's a single pine tree you'll find on the southwest side of Storm Stadium.
"It's really hard not to think, it sort of looks over the stadium," said Chanhassen head football coach Cullen Nelson.
It's roots anchored, a constant presence for the Woods family every Friday night for the last 11 years.
"Having him overlook the stadium is a beautiful symbol," said Andie Woods.
On game days, this single tree connects father to son, branches tethered together by strength and love.
"I look at that every game and know that he's there with me," said Maxwell Woods.
The Chanhassen senior is finishing off a special season.
"Friday night lights, right? There's nothing like it," said Andie.
"There aren't very many kids around like Maxwell Woods," said Nelson.
"I've tried to really be present in these moments, because you know they're fleeting," said Andie.
The top running back in the state is committed to FCS power North Dakota State.
"In 22 years, I haven't been around anybody with the combination and vision and explosiveness," said Nelson.
Before heading to Fargo, Maxwell is hoping to lead the Storm to their first ever state championship.
"We got some big goals, we feel like this year we can compete to possibly win a state championship," said Maxwell.
Speaking of FCS, Maxwell's parents Kyhaunn and Andie both played sports at Weber State. Andie a basketball player, Kyhaunn a football player. The two eventually relocated to Minneapolis to raise their family. Maxwell would often tag along for dad's practices as Kyhaunn served as an assistant at Chanhassen.
"Him and I, we were really close. He helped shape me into who I am today," said Maxwell.
In 2011, Kyhaunn was shockingly diagnosed with brain cancer.
"You never think at the young age, in your 30s, that you're going to be delivered news of terminal cancer," said Andie.
An advanced case, Kyhaunn passed away in October of 2012. He was just 40 years old.
"You have kids that keep you going. I know that Kyhaunn would want us to keep going, he'd want us to have joy," said Andie.
"We wouldn't be where we are today without my mom. She was so strong," said Maxwell.
Shortly after Kyhaunn passed, the Storm program planted a tree to honor him.
"Every time you walk by, it's a reminder that this place has been built by a lot of important people, and Kyhaunn is one of them," said Nelson.
That very tree now watches over the program, as son carries Dad's legacy every yard of the way.
"I feel like he's there every step of the way, watching down on me. I hope he's proud," said Maxwell.
"Seeing bits and pieces of his dad. I'll see him running and you're like, 'That's his father, like oh my goodness, that is pure joy,'" said Andie.
He does so with Mom and Dad, proudly looking on. One from the bleachers, the other from the tree tops.
"I feel him all the time with us and I talk about that with my kids all the time. He's always with us, he's always shining down on us. He is so proud of them," said Andie.
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