A Michigan high school football player is out for the season after suffering a fractured spine during a junior varsity game.
The injury occurred when an opposing lineman launched himself onto the 15-year-old after a play had ended.
The Incident
The violent hit took place during the third quarter of a Lakeshore vs. Kalamazoo Central game.
Video shows the Lakeshore defender lying prone on the ground after a block.
https://t.co/78Xkr9yaxX A 15-year-old boy playing for Lakeshore Highschool was being blocked and then jumped on by an opposing player.
The video was taken by the injured player’s mom Courtney Mims and she recounted her reaction after seeing her son was injured. pic.twitter.com/xhFdKe8ZBO
— News Channel 3 WWMT-TV (@wwmtnews) September 19, 2025
The Kalamazoo Central offensive lineman then leapt and landed with full weight on him.
The move resembled a wrestling-style “frog splash.”
The play was well away from the ball when the strike happened.
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The crowd and teammates were stunned by the unexpected assault.
The boy’s mother captured the moment on video from the stands.
The Injury
The player has been identified as Colton, age 15.
Doctors confirmed his spine was fractured in two places.
He was rushed to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Colton
He is now home but requires muscle relaxers during recovery.
His mother, Courtney Mims, said he will miss the season.
She said it is unclear if he can safely play football again.
Doctors expect him to make a full recovery over time.
Family and teammates have rallied around Colton.
Mother’s Reaction
Mims said she was horrified when she saw the hit.
“These boys are 15 years old,” she told reporters.
She said her son dedicated long hours to football training.
“To see someone try to take that away is awful,” she said.
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She described the strike as “unsportsmanlike” and unnecessary.
Mims said she hopes the attacker faces accountability.
She thanked fans and community members for their support.
Her video has been widely shared online.
Discipline Questions
It is not yet clear if the Kalamazoo Central player was disciplined.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association declined to punish him.
The association left the matter to the two schools involved.
Parents and community members have questioned the lack of action.
Many compared the move to dangerous plays outlawed in football.
Others compared it to illegal hits in professional wrestling.
The attacker has not been publicly identified by authorities.
Critics say the lack of discipline sets a bad precedent.
Aftermath
Despite the incident, the varsity game went ahead as scheduled.
Lakeshore defeated Kalamazoo Central 26–7 on Friday night.
Players dedicated the victory to Colton in a Facebook post.
“This one was for Colton,” the post read.
Supporters said the win was a morale boost for the team.
The community has rallied to Colton’s side during his recovery.
His mother said prayers and support have given them strength.
The fatigue is real