The Pennsylvania high school football player who collapsed on the field Friday suffered a “significant brain bleed, as well as a collapsed lung,” the family told Pittsburgh’s CBS News station KDKA.
In the statement, the family said that the next 24 hours for Karns City quarterback Mason Martin “are critical.” The Karns City football team account on Twitter/X asked for “lots of prayers.”
“(Mason Martin) you have a ton of people thinking about and praying for you!!,” the account posted. “I don’t know if he or his family is able to check this account is anyone wants to send a message! #MasonStrong”
The account also shared a statement from Karns City superintendent Eric Ritzert that announced a planned prayer vigil for Sunday at 7 p.m. at Diehl Stadium.
“All are welcome to gather with us in prayer,” Ritzert wrote. “We will also have counselors available during the community prayer vigil for those in need of support.”
Martin scored his team’s only touchdown in Friday’s game against Redbank Valley, which was stopped with 7:53 to go in the third after he collapsed on the field.
According to D9Sports.com, Martin had just played a defensive series and went out on the field as part of the kick return team when the head official, identified as Mike Vasbinder, said he saw the player “wobble and sway.” The report said that Vasbinder said he asked Martin if he was OK, and the player responded, “No,” before he fell to the turf.
