Dangers of Football Fall Preview

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Logan Gibson, Sports Writer

Football is a very controversial sport. Many players and coaches love the sport, but many parents do not allow their children to play due to the high risk of injury in the sport. Players have a high risk of breaking and bruising bones and suffering a concussion, which is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head. One player on the New Castle football team suffered a severe concussion himself. Matthew “Beans” Senchak  is a senior running back and linebacker for the New Castle football team. Senchak received a level five concussion during the New Castle vs. South Fayette game.  Matt was knocked out and taken to Jameson Hospital, then later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. I recently spoke to Matt to gain some insight about the game of football.

Q:What do you think makes football such a dangerous sport?

A: I think that football is a dangerous sport because of the way it is played. The improper technique of tackling can cause a player to get a head injury if they do not keep their head out of the play.

Q: Was this your first concussion?

A: No, I have had three other concussions, but none as bad as the one I received on the night of the South Fayette game.

Q: Do you remember anything on the night that you received your concussion?

A: Yes, I remember all of the events that happened leading up to the game, but nothing after that.

Q: Do you think dirty players make football dangerous or is it just a dangerous sport?

A: I think football is just a dangerous sport. There are many risks involved and many chances for someone to get injured, but dirty player do add on to the danger of the sport.

Q: Do you think football is too dangerous for children and high schoolers to play?

A: No, I feel like if you are built for the sport, then you should play it. It teaches toughness and discipline. Many of the coaches will also teach you life lessons and how to grow up to be a gentleman.

These questions were answered first hand from a star football player. Being a football player myself, I can agree with Senchek that football is a very dangerous sport that can also be safely enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.