Tascosa High School football player suffers 'severe spinal injury' during game

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — A Tascosa High School football player is hospitalized after suffering a "severe spinal injury" during a game.

Derrion Howard, who plays running back and defense end for the Rebels, was injured on a touchdown run with 5:26 left in the first quarter.

RELATED:Click here to donate money to help Derrion Howard

He was loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital.

According to his sister-in-law, Derrion suffered a "severe spinal injury." He spent two days in the ICU.

Derrion's mom, Lynette Lynch, said he doesn't have any feeling in his legs. But he is able to feel his toes.

Doctors told the family he may never be able to play football again.

"This is very emotional for him," said Lynch. "It's been his dream since 4th grade, getting to play in the Super Bowl."

Derrion was supposed to announce on Nov. 20 where he was going to play college football.

While he said he gets sad about the injury, Derrion told ABC 7 News he came to realize "my last play ever, I scored a touchdown."

The Tascosa Rebels (5-5) play at El Paso Americas (3-6) on Thursday in the Bi-district round of the playoffs.

Lynch said her son is hoping doctors will allow him to ride with the team.

Either way, Derrion will be rooting for them.

"Go Rebs! Go win state," said Derrion.

If you would like to help Derrion and his family with medical and other expenses, CLICK HERE to donate to his GoFundMe page.

He's the second high school football player in Amarillo to be paralyzed in the last two weeks. Palo Duro Senior DB Aaren Woods was injured during the fourth quarter of the Dons win on Nov. 1.