Two N.C. teen football players suffer serious game injuries
The head injuries occurred in separate incidents in the Charlotte region and come during a season in which three high school football players in North Carolina have died.
On Friday, Anthony Gomenis of Union County was injured in the last few minutes of a game. The team’s coach told WSOC News that this was the senior’s second game back after being out for an earlier concussion. Anthony, who plays linebacker on defense and fullback on offense, was reported to be in a hospital’s intensive care unit.
The previous Friday, Chris Williams of Gaston County suffered brain swelling after sustaining hits to the head during more than one play. The senior linebacker is recovering after surgery, and a doctor said he could eventually play again, according to the Gaston Gazette. The teen’s father, though, says he won’t let his son back on the field. “I think that as a father you do everything you can to protect your child,” Paul Williams said.
This fall, two high school football players have died in North Carolina from head injuries sustained from tackles. A third died the day after a scrimmage, but the cause of death has not been released yet.
Following the deaths, the N.C. High School Athletic Association tightened the rules regarding players and injuries. Student athletes with concussion-like symptoms can’t play until a medical doctor clears them. Schools are required to file an emergency plan on how they will respond when a student is injured. The association also established a task force to decide whether high schools should be required to have certified athletic trainers on staff.
In New Jersey, three high school football players also have died this fall. Two suffered head injuries during play. A third collapsed on a field after a warm-up; doctors said an undetected heart ailment was the cause of death.
