Plant's Gallon tears ACL, out for season

Plant senior Cornelius Gallon, one of the state's leading receivers, will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

Gallon found out the news Saturday afternoon after undergoing a scan on his knee; the loss is a big blow to the defending state champion Panthers, as Gallon is not only one of their top receivers, he's also their main kick returner, one of their top cornerbacks - not to mention, he's the backup quarterback for star junior Aaron Murray.

"It's frustrating," Gallon said. "Really frustrating."

Gallon suffered the injury in the first half of Friday's win over Chamberlain. He jumped for a pass near the sideline, said he planted his feet in the grass and got pushed out of bounds onto the track by a Chiefs defender. He felt a "pop," but hoped it was just a strain or sprain.

Gallon was having a career season, coming into Friday as one of the county's top playmakers, scoring 15 touchdowns in his past five games - on kick returns, runs and receptions. Gallon has 31 catches for 686 yards and 13 TDs. He already had offers from Central Michigan and Temple, and with an expected lengthy postseason run, Gallon likely would have picked up more.

"It's the saddest injury I have ever been associated with," Plant coach Bob Weiner said. "My heart is broken for him and our team."

The defending state champion Panthers (7-1) host Jefferson Friday night in a game that will decide the district championship.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Cornelius Gallon

Comments

[Renee' Love]

The whole Plant football family is heartbroken about Cornelius's injury. Cornelius is an exceptional football player and even a better person. It has been a pleasure watching him grow as a player and man for the past 4 years. He will bounce back and be catching footballs and making plays for some lucky team next season. He was voted one of our captains for a reason, he is a leader on our team and will continue to do so. This will be a time for other players to step up to reach our goal to repeat as State Champions! You can replace the position on the field, but not as easy to replace Cornelius's experience/heart/leadership and just his presence out there. Everyone reads about Cornelius the player, I just wanted everybody who reads this to know what a great kid this is and he is a vital "Link in our Chain"
We love you Cornelius and keep your head up!!!

[Chan Bliss]

Cornelius, Thanks for a great season. You are in our prayers.

He is a GREAT kid. Hope he recovers quickly and gets a shot at the next level. He is a real leader and an excellent playmaker. Good luck on a full speedy recovery. Hopefully your team rallies and wins some for you, because you have plenty of games for them!!!!

[Chris Taylor]

Everyone hates to hear about injuries, even your opponents. The Armwood football family wishes CG a speedy recovery and prays for guidance in the doctors hands. We believe that CG still has a great career ahead of him on the next level. All the smart schools will still want him because he is a great player and will still be a great player on the next level.

[Link]

I'm a Plant/Cornelius fan, that is very nice that Armwood wishes him well. Deep down though they have a big sigh of relief, b/c they know if the 2 teams meet again, it will be a different game. No excuses, but let's be realistic here, Cornelius is a HUGE impact player, watch the Hillsborough game if you question that. This will give an opportunity for other players to step up and contribute.

[Jay "Lockdown" Chisholm]

Although he's injured, he'll be back sooner than expected. For example, Chris Breit was diagnosed with a season ending injury earlier this season, but with our prayers and his hardwork and determination, he was back in no time. So when praises go up, blessings come down. We're praying for you homey, you'll be back soon. Put your faith and God, and most def. don't give up! In the meantime, Plant got some unfinished business to take care of. Kevin James, STEP UP!

[South Tampa M.D.]

I hope you is going to be back soon because it is not really a torn ACL as earlier feared. That would be great news. But playing with a torn ACL is a bad idea. While one may be able to walk around pain free, there is far less stability in a knee with a damaged ACL thus the likelyhood of tearing one of the other ligaments or of even dislocating the knee increase dramatically. Anyone telling you to play (if it is torn) is not your friend and does not care about YOUR future. The damage could be far worse if the next time.

I hope you ARE going to be back. When I read that it sounded as bad as some of these high school English majors! How embarrassing!

[Link]

Lockdown, I love your optimism, but South Tampa MD is right. If it is torned(which it is)there is no way he should or even could play on that knee. He would only injure it further and more extensively. This is a good 6-9 month recovery process. I wish you were right, but like you said it's now time for other players to step up! We have the talent. Lovell, Harrell, James and Epps when he comes back.
Go Plant! Beat down those Dragons!!

i love him!!!!