Coach says Mitchell is fine, likely to play vs. Armwood

As Hillsborough receiver/defensive back Terrence Mitchell lay motionless on the grass in the west endzone during the second quarter Thursday night at Plant, Terriers coach Earl Garcia feared the worst. But when Garcia went out on the field to check on Mitchell, the player was moving his hands and feet.

"That alleviated a lot of the fright," Garcia said.

This morning, the news is even better. After being taken to St. Joseph's via ambulance, MRI and CAT scan tests were negative, Garcia said. And contrary to one internet report, doctors "don't think" Mitchell sustained a concussion.

"He's fine," Garcia said. "He should be ready by (next) Friday night (against Armwood). We were very fortunate."

And that, quite obviously, has folks at Hillsborough thrilled.

"It's a big sigh of relief," Garcia said. "Not only is he one of our better players, but he's a fine young man. He's one of the good guys."

Mitchell (No. 3 in photo), a speedy junior and one of the area's top talents, was hurt on a Plant pass play when he collided with another Terriers defensive back.

"He got his bell rung," Garcia said. "He was knocked silly."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Comments

[Panther Fan]

Don't Worry Mom.

Coach Garcia is a stud. He would not put any player at risk for any reason. If T-Rex and his doctors say he's OK AND Coach Garcia sees that he does well in practice next week then he might let him play.

[worried mom]

Sounds like a coach who is using a player, forcing him back to win a game! Not if he was my son!

[Reality Check]

Since when do you get your "bell rung" and are taken to a hospital? (I understand the precaution.) Seems to me that if the coach of this "fine young man" was concerned for his health, he would evaluate him during practice prior to him taking the field again. I would rather be safe than sorry!