High School senior recovering after “scary” helmet-to-helmet hit during football game

A high school quarterback sent to the hospital on Friday night after suffering a concussion during a football game said Sunday he is starting to feel better.

A helmet-to-helmet hit left Falcon senior Ty Murphy unconscious for a minute during a game against Vista Ridge High School. He was rushed to a hospital where he stayed overnight while doctors monitored his condition.

Murphy said Sunday he was feeling better, though still suffered headaches and nausea.

Murphy said his coaches and athletic trainers do everything they can to minimize head injuries on the field. He said there is also great emphasis on investing in equipment, like specially designed helmets, to mitigate injuries.

Last week, a high school football player died from a brain injury. Luke Schemm, 17, scored two touchdowns before collapsing on the sidelines during the final play. Schemm’s father reported on Facebook his son suffered a traumatic brain injury.

CNN reportsnine youth football players have died in football incidents since early September.

Doctors told KRDO NewsChannel 13 the medical community has a better understanding of the long term impact of a concussion on a young athlete. Before, doctors used to rate concussions based on their severity. Now, doctors treat every concussion with the same level of severity and take extra time and care before clearing an athlete to play again.

Doctors said concussions used to be under reported. However, publicity generated by National Football League athletes who suffer long term effects from brain injuries suffered during Football has raised awareness about the issue for young athletes.