Gainesville's Elias Ballard had to deal with early tragedy in life. Football turned out to be an outlet for his grief - Gainesville Times

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Gainesville's Elias Ballard had to deal with early tragedy in life. Football turned out to be an outlet for his grief

Gainesville's Elias Ballard (5) waits for a play against Marist on Aug. 19 in Atlanta. Photo courtesy Krist Davis-Wright For The Times

Gainesville's Elias Ballard (5) waits for a play against Marist on Aug. 19 in Atlanta. Photo courtesy Krist Davis-Wright For The Times

Ballard was just 6 when his father was stabbed to death at Ridgecrest Apartments in Gainesville.

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