Coach: Murray likely out for season

After sustaining a broken left fibula and dislocated ankle late in the second quarter of Thursday night's 44-28 homecoming win over Hillsborough, the spirits of Plant quarterback Aaron Murray remain high, even though the chances of him returning to the field this season aren't good.

Murray, the Panthers' record-setting signal caller, is likely to have surgery sometime in the next "four or five days," Plant coach Robert Weiner said early Friday morning.

"We don't really know what the prognosis is yet," Weiner said. "He's got a lot of swelling. The doctors said six weeks is probably the absolute minimum before he's walking again. Then it's probably two or three weeks after that (before he could play), which puts us after our season ends. The worse case, it could be six months. It will depend on if there's any ligament damage."

The fibula is the smaller of the two weight-bearing bones -- the other being the tibia -- that connects the knee and the ankle. Many times a fibula injury can be accompanied by a severe ankle injuries, according to WebMD.com.

Fibula fractures can take about six to eight weeks to heal. 

Murray was one of the nation's most coveted high school players, receiving 53 scholarship offers before committing to Georgia earlier this year. He also emerged from the prestigious Elite 11 Quarterback Camp as its MVP over the summer.

In two years as a starter, Murray has 79 touchdown passes, ranking him third all time in Hillsborough County -- even though he has made only 19 starts. Former Jefferson quarterback Stephen Garcia, who is now at South Carolina, has the county record with 83. This season, Murray has 28 touchdown strikes, three of which came in the first quarter Thursday night.

"He's doing okay," Weiner said via telephone just after 2 a.m. Friday. "I just left his house a minute ago. He's got some family and friends around him and is just watching SportsCenter. His spirits are good."

For Plant (5-1 after beating the Terriers), the show must go on. In Murray's absence, sophomore Phillip Ely stepped in and played relatively well. He completed six of 16 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown.

"I thought he played great," Weiner said. "I was so proud of him and so was Aaron. He watched the end of the game from the hospital."

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA & KEITH NIEBUHR

See photo of Murray being hauled off the field

Comments

[Ex Panther Parent]

My kids have graduated and gone to college but I like to watch the the current students excell. You have made your school(and parents) proud. You are a class act and a great role model. Well done!

Get well soon - from a Pinellas county fan.

[Plant City QB]

I know what kind of a beating we take on friday nights but, thats football. Good luck and get well.

[Reality]

Mr. Murray thank you for an unbelivable year and a half football. I am praying for a speedy recovery for you. I am looking forward to next year when a Healthly Air Murray puts on parade in Athens and other major college locations what we in the bay area have expereinced over the last two years. I am confident that this test and it is only a test will make you stronger and that more determined to suceed @ the next level . All of Tampa bay is proud of you and how you represented us.

[KNIGHTS]

Aaron the boyz from Robinson High School wish you a speedy and successful recovery.

[Corey]

Heal up quickly Aaron! All of Tampa is pulling for you!!!!

[Hawk Mom]

Get Well Soon. You have a great future ahead of you.

[Panther Fan]

Get Well Aaron! Thank You For All the Great Games and Leadership!