Pennsylvania High School Quarterback Rushed to Hospital After Collapsing on Field

On Friday night, a high school in Pennsylvania suspended a football game after one of their quarterbacks collapsed on the field and had to be rushed to the hospital. 

Karns City High School and Redbank Valley High School of Butler County were facing off that evening when Karns City quarterback Mason Martin began staggering during the third quarter, which was noticed by referee Mike Vasbiner, according to the Butler Eagle. 

“I had to talk to him, and when I asked if he was alright, he told me, ‘No,’” the referee told the outlet. “So, that’s when I knew something was wrong.”

Martin collapsed and was rushed to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh by helicopter. The game was ended and Redbank Valley was declared the winner, having led 35-6 at the time of the collapse. 

Martin’s family told KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh that their son suffered a “significant brain bleed as well as a collapsed lung.”

The high school football team shared an update from Martin’s family on their social media Sunday morning. 

“First off, Stacy and I would like to thank everyone for their love and support. Your show of love has been so uplifting and inspiring. If we feel your love, we know that Mason can as well,” the message began. 

“Mason remains in critical condition with little change over the last 36 hours,” the post continues. “The truth is we need a miracle. I’m not saying that to sound grim, but to let you know that we need the strength of your prayers.”

“No one believes in this kid more than us, but he needs everyone’s strength and prayers. Right now, we have to wait for the swelling to go down to assess the extent of the damage to the brain.”

Eric Ritzert, the superintendent of Karns City, said Saturday that a prayer vigil for the senior quarterback would be held Sunday night at Diehl Stadium.

“All are welcome to gather with us in prayer,” Ritzert wrote on social media, according to Penn Live. “We will also have counselors available during the community prayer vigil for those in need of support.”