New York High School Football Player Dies from Injury Suffered in Game

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

With the national spotlight shining bright on sports concussions and how to make the game of football safer, a New York high school football player died this weekend from an injury sustained during a game Friday night.

According to published reports, Phoenix High School junior Ridge Barden died Friday night after being rushed to the hospital after suffering a head injury in the third quarter of his team's game at Homer High School.

WSYR-TV in Syracuse is reporting that an autopsy shows that the 16-year old Barden died of bleeding in the brain, due to blunt force trauma as the result of a football injury.

Trial Begins Today for Kentucky Coach Charged in Death of Player

by Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle

A lot of eyes are focused on Kentucky today as the trial begins for the coach charged with reckless homicide in the death of a Pleasure Ridge Park player in August 2008. David Jason Stinson is charged with reckless homicide in the death of 15-year old Max Gilpin, who collapsed during practice in 94-degree heat.

Support for Stinson is pretty strong with one man, Rodney Daugherty starting a website to raise money for Stinson's legal defense. Reportedly, Support Our Stinson has raised $90,000.

Sports Illustrated takes a look at the implications this trial will have on the sport of high school football.