Sun Valley Middle School football player seriously injured during championship game

MONROE, N.C. — A scary situation unfolded Saturday night at a local middle school football game when a 13-year-old player was injured and couldn't move.

Coaches tell Channel 9's Brianna Harper the injury happened during the second quarter of the 8th grade championship game between Sun Valley Middle School and Holy Trinity Middle School.

During a kick-off play, the player lowered his head and was seriously injured from a hit.

Sources told Channel 9 just moments after the hit, the player initially had no feeling below the shoulders.

Parents in the stands said the game was delayed for about 30 minutes before the teen was placed on a stretcher and taken to CMC.

At this point, sources said the boy was given a CT scan and is beginning to regain feeling back in his arms.

Channel 9 spoke with the father of the 13-year-old, who was still at the championship game. He said he has been receiving text messages from his wife at the hospital with seemingly good news.

At the end of the game, Sun Valley celebrated their championship win on top of an undefeated season.

Sun Valley head coach Sean Maher said they don't just teach football, but also the importance of family and supporting each other.

"When the adversary came, I thought the kids would crumble a bit, but they had faith in each other, in our process, and our program and they stood up and I'm very proud," Maher said.

The coaches said after each game, they always pray. They said this time they prayed a special prayer for their injured teammate and are hopeful for a quick recovery.

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The safety of high school football has been a growing concern nationwide.

The Monroe High School football coach told Channel 9 many coaches throughout Union County are getting trained in heads-up football programs.

It reinforces player safety and preventing and recognizing injuries.

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