A Lasting Legacy, The Matt Hobby Classic At Pope High School

A Lasting Legacy, The Matt Hobby Classic at Pope High School

The annual Matt Hobby Classic is Friday, September 19th, 2025 at Pope High School. This event is more than just a football game, it is a community tradition and legacy that honors the memory of a former Pope High School student and athlete, Matt Hobby. The event was started in 2005 and raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Matt Hobby was a beloved Pope student and football player. In 2003, Matt was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. Matt inspired the entire East Cobb community and his teammates with his passion to help others, telling his parents, “tell them (his teammates and friends) to raise money for research. The little kids with cancer need a chance to live”. Matt passed away in 2006, after three years of battling cancer and just after graduation. Matt’s parents carry on his legacy and continue to raise money for research. Pope High School is partnered with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, which is a non-profit organization that was started by Dean Crowe in 2005. Dean Crowe is also a Pope High School Alumni. The partnership created the 4 Quarters 4 Research (4Q4R) where buckets are passed around during the football game to collect donations. The Matt Hobby Classic has helped inspire other schools to participate in the 4Q4R for the Rally Foundation, carrying on Matt’s legacy. Each year a Pope football player has the honor of wearing Matt’s jersey number 70. Come out and help continue Matt Hobby’s legacy and support childhood cancer research at Friday’s Pope game vs. the Lassiter Trojans. East Cobb is a community of unity and impact that comes together to support each other.

By Erin Moss