Kahuku senior starting quarterback Tuli Wily-Matagi suffered a concussion during a running play in Friday night’s 20-7 OIA championship game loss to Mililani.
“I was diagnosed with a concussion,” Wily-Matagi said after the game. “I am going to try my hardest to get back. (Backup) Samuta (Avea) did a great job out there.”
The loss of their senior leader was a big blow to the Red Raiders, whose offense tailed off with the sophomore Avea, who saw limited action in the regular season.
Salanoa Alo-Wily, a two-way force for Kahuku, who was severely disappointed after the loss, also gave props to Avea.
“He didn’t get many reps during the week, and he didn’t know what to expect,” Alo-Wily said. “He did a good job, and now he knows what it’s like in a big game.”
I would hope that the medical professionals, parents and coaches think long and hard about sending this young man back into harm’s way on the football field any time soon….very dangerous. If my son sustained a concussion, I would insist on 3 weeks out if he plays a position where HE WILL TAKE A HIT. No game is worth the risk, period.