STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — Frightening moments unfolded during Friday night’s football game between Union and Stephens counties when two Panthers players were injured, including one who was airlifted from the scene. Both players are now recovering, according to Union County head coach Rob Stowe.
Tight end and linebacker Braxton Miller was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after suffering an injury that initially affected feeling and movement in his legs. Stowe said Miller’s condition steadily improved overnight.
“At 2:00, he could bend his knees. At 4:00, he had feeling in all legs. At 9:00, he said, ‘I walked around!’” Stowe said.
Miller was even able to joke about hospital staff cutting off his uniform while treating him.
“The only thing Braxton is worried about is, ‘They destroyed my jersey!’” Stowe said.
Wide receiver and cornerback Sir Thompson was taken to Gainesville for treatment. Stowe said Thompson’s CT scan was clear, although he suffered a serious concussion.
“Coach, I’ll be back in two weeks!” Thompson told him, according to Stowe.
Both players are eager to return to the field, but no timetable for either player’s return has been announced.
‘Bigger than football’
News of the injuries spread quickly on social media as people in the stands shared videos of the medical helicopter arriving and photos of cheerleaders, players and coaches gathering in prayer for the injured athletes.
“This….is truly what being a team is! Whether it’s your team or another, you support!” Shelley Martin wrote, expressing pride in the way Stephens County responded. “They stood in a way last night that will ALWAYS be remembered!”
Christopher Davis described the moment, saying, “It’s bigger than football.”
Stowe said people from across Georgia contacted him to ask about the players. He shared the encouraging update during a Saturday morning radio program in South Georgia and thanked those who offered prayers and support.
“Praise the God of the universe for this news,” Stowe said. “He lifts us up in the depths. Y’all keep praying for continued recovery.”
“Go Panthers!”
Blitz Sports’ Brian Carter contributed to this report
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