Game Changer: Part One

game changer n: an event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something

game changer n: an event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something

Captain Will Burdeen, a senior all-state running back and defensive back, echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We’ve got some great kids, and I’m really excited,” said Will, during morning stretching.

13-YEAR-OLD MALE, HEAD TRAUMA.
POSSIBLE INTRACRANIAL BLEED.
NO EXTERNAL INJURIES.
COMATOSE, NEEDS TOTAL RESPIRATORY CARE.

One person at a time is best
Multiple voices can be too much
We don’t want to overwhelm him

But he needs to be stimulated
Stay positive and strong
Try not to sound upset or scared
Talk about anything you want, but stay upbeat

Your family is here and they love you very much
That’s a good-looking family you got there by the way
Not too shabby

So your kid sister was giving me a hard time about not washing your hair
Feisty little thing, isn’t she?

PATIENT REPORT
MODEST IMPROVEMENT.

It's standard procedure to talk to kids who witness something like this, and your parents thought it might be a good idea.

None of us ever knows quite how we're going to respond to a traumatic event, and it's important to be aware of what might happen.

ETHAN: I told my parents ten times. The Rookie Rumble ended and Teddy collapsed. I don't really remember anything else.

ETHAN: Yeah. That's what they call the scrimmage on the last day of preseason camp. It's just for incoming freshmen.

I love knowing they're coming
I love bracing myself
I love getting hit
I love falling

How could we know what would happen?
A fluke, just a horrible fluky thing

On behalf of the team I just want to say how much we are all pulling for Teddy, he’s a really good kid and a great football player, we know he’ll pull through and we can’t wait to see him back on the field.

But Camille was like, shut up, that is so inappropriate

And also they are being incredibly careful with safety these days but nothing is 100 percent foolproof.

There’s going to be a tribute in your honor, Teddy

We want you with our team, son
In whatever capacity you see fit

A townwide vigil was held at Walthorne High School tonight to pray for the recovery of Edward Youngblood, 13, who was seriously injured Friday at preseason football camp.

Edward, who is scheduled to begin his freshman year at Walthorne High next week, is currently at TriCounty Memorial Hospital with unspecified injuries.

The Wildcats, who finished with a record of 8–2 last year, return with a solid roster of varsity athletes and are expected to contend for the state crown this year.

But his brain was injured. Bleeding. His head must have taken a real wallop at some point.

I think he’s in denial because of the shock, but still it’s crazy

The doctor said it’s a sign of increased brain activity, which is awesome
But she said you seem agitated
And she’s concerned about overstimulation

It wasn’t a rally, it was a vigil. Wow get your terms straight Mr. Hipstuh.

I’m not exactly sure what a conspiracy theory is but I’ve heard from like three people at least that this was not just a football injury, that there is some kind of organized thing on the last day of camp where kids on the team beat each other up for fun, like some sort of competition, it’s a tradition or something, has anyone else heard about this?

ETHAN: I looked it up online. Concussions. Head injuries. It happens all the time in football.

You guys are so gross, I didn’t realize people could be so ugly and insensitive.