Preps

Football: River Ridge senior remains in hospital

Craig Midkiff can move his fingers and toes, should go home this week.

By BY DAVID MURPHY AND IZZY GOULD
Published November 4, 2007

River Ridge senior Craig Midkiff remains hospitalized at St. Joseph's in Tampa after suffering a spinal injury Friday during the Royal Knights' 62-27 loss to the Bears.

Midkiff was able to move his fingers and toes by early Saturday morning, and his mother, Liz Midkiff, said she's optimistic about his recovery. He's expected to remain in the hospital through the early part of the week and will need to wear a neck brace for three months, she said.

"Everything looks good," Liz Midkiff said. "He's moving his arms and legs, which he wasn't doing at first."

Midkiff's parents were in the stands when the injury occurred. The game was stopped for about 30 minutes as a Bayflite helicopter landed on an adjacent baseball field.

"It was horrendous," Liz Midkiff said. "It was the worst 45 minutes of my life."

Doctors used the words "spinal shock" when detailing what had happened.

"It was scary," River Ridge quarterback Blake Spinks said.

Central coach Cliff Lohrey said the injury occurred 1 minute into the third quarter.

"I saw it pretty clear," Lohrey said. "It was him and one of our offensive lineman. It wasn't a violent collision at all. They hit helmet to helmet. The kid went face down immediately."

The Bears went on to win the game, led by Central quarterback Chase Walker, who completed 17 of 23 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Walker also rushed for a score.

[Last modified November 3, 2007, 22:07:53]