A high school football game between Caddo Mills and Bullard was halted in the third quarter after two Caddo Mills players suffered injuries and had to be airlifted to Greenville’s Hunt Regional Medical Center Friday night.
The players were injured with 1:33 left in the quarter, and the schools decided to call the game with Bullard winning 38-28. Fans, coaches, administrators, and players united on the field to pray for the injured players, which gained the attention of Caddo Mills ISD Superintendent Luke Allison.
“Wow, what a night! I have never been more proud to be part of Caddo Mills than today,” said Allison in a statement posted on social media Saturday. “As I reflect on last night, we witnessed a horrific situation turn into a miracle! If you don’t already know, we had two student-athletes airlifted from our 50-yard line during the third quarter, one with possible internal injuries and one with a possible spine injury.”
“This was a terrifying sight for everyone,” Allison added. “Young kids, older kids, parents, fans, teachers, medical staff and administrators were all in disbelief of what we were witnessing at a high school football game. I have been to a football game every Friday night since I was five years old and have never seen anything close. Due to injuries, we suspended the game in the 3rd quarter.”
“What transpired next was the most inspiring thing I have ever seen,” Allison continued. “Out of care, our fans stayed. Bullard fans stayed. Our fans unified and said the Lord’s Prayer as one. Students prayed silently on their own. Coach Crane pulled Bullard players and our players together, and they prayed as one. We saw God working! HE reminded us that in the midst of chaos, HE is in control.”
“Thank you to the trainers and medical staff that worked on these young men. Thank you to Bullard ISD for all the support. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers from across the state and the country! They were definitely felt. It’s a Great Day to be a Fox!” Allison concluded.
Bullard also issued a statement in support of the Caddo Mills players.
“On behalf of all Bullard Panthers, our hearts and prayers are with the Caddo Mills community for complete healing of the injured students,” Bullard ISD wrote on social media Friday night.
Staff and students at both schools will wear green on Tuesday to support the injured players.
“We are thankful that all Caddo Mills students are making a quick recovery, and wearing green was one small act we could to help support Caddo Mills ISD, their team, and their entire community,” Bullard ISD Superintendent Dr. Jack Lee told The Dallas Express in an email. “Nothing is more powerful than seeing both teams and fans come together for those injured in the game. I am incredibly proud of both schools for remembering what is truly important.”
Allison acknowledged the support and mentioned that other schools had joined them.
“The Caddo Mills community is overwhelmed with the support that we have received from across the state,” he told The Dallas Express via email. “Greenville ISD, Bullard ISD and Brownsboro ISD are a few of the districts that joined us today in wearing green to support our injured student-athletes. Public schools come together and support one another during times of need. We are grateful for their thoughts, prayers and support. “
Caddo Mills is scheduled to play Canton on Friday, and Bullard will play Quinlan Ford.
No further updates have been issued pertaining to the injured players.