High school football player who suffered serious head injury during game recovering after surgery

WAKEFIELD, Mass. — A 16-year-old Northeast Metro Tech football player who suffered a serious head injury after a collision during a junior varsity game on Saturday morning is recovering after undergoing surgery at Mass General Hospital, his family announced Tuesday.

“Our family would like to thank the football community, his care team, parents and friends for their many thoughts and prayers,” his family wrote Tuesday. “We ask for privacy as we focus on Brandon’s healing.”

The family of that teen, identified as Brandon Cooke, also set up a GoFundMe to support his recovery.

“Brandon is on the road to recovery but he has a long road ahead of him still,” the GoFundMe post reads.

“He’s such an amazing hardworking young man who is an honor roll student. Brandon loves his team and loved playing each and every day with his twin brother Kristian and all his friends [...] We appreciate all the well wishes and prayers for Brandon through this difficult time.”

PREVIOUS: Northeast Metro Tech football player seriously injured during junior varsity game

Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School District Superintendent David DiBarri and fire officials said emergency crews responded at 10:30 a.m. Saturday to the high school’s football field for reports of an unconscious boy. After arriving on scene, crews provided medical care to the student-athlete until paramedics from Cataldo Ambulance Service arrived.

“Our thoughts and support are with our injured student-athlete, his family, friends, classmates, and teammates during this difficult time, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” DiBarri told reporters on Saturday afternoon.

The game, which was quickly suspended, was between Northeast Metro Tech and Saugus High School. DiBarri previously said that school officials are working with guidance and counseling staff to provide support services to the football team and other students.

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