Local coaches discuss safety after death of Alabama high school football player

OPELIKA, Alabama (WTVM) – The western Alabama community of Selma is mourning the tragic loss of a high school football player.

Morgan Academy quarterback Caden Tellier died after suffering a brain injury during Friday's game, a heartbreaking incident that has sparked discussions among players, parents and coaches about the importance of safety in sports.

“Obviously what happened is horrible and the worst nightmare for coaches and parents,” said Bryan Moore, Opelika High School football coach.

According to a statement from the Alabama Private School Association, Caden Tellier suffered a severe brain injury when his head struck the ground. This tragedy has raised significant concerns among parents about the safety of their own children while playing sports.

Moore says football is a safe sport.

“I know today's game is safer than it's ever been,” the coach said. “I know we're taking every precaution and following every guideline that the State of Alabama and the HSA have given us.”

Auburn High School football coach Keith Etheridge says each player has five helmets to choose from. Each player gets the helmet that fits them best, and there are helmets that track the type of contact they experience.

“I've seen some pretty bad concussions in kids who have fallen to the ground,” Etheridge said. “Sometimes it doesn't matter what helmet you're wearing. If the impact is to the head, it's going to have an impact on the kids,” Etheridge said.

Coach Moore explained that they use Schutt F7 and Riddell SpeedFlex helmets because he believes they offer the best concussion protection available in the game.

“In my opinion, these are top-of-the-line helmets,” he added. “These are helmets that most college and NFL athletes wear.”

Coach Moore mentioned that every Opelika High School player must wear a Guardian Cap in addition to a helmet for added protection during practice.

“As a father, as a parent, I have a son who is in 8th grade and I want him to wear it and I want all the other kids in our program to do that too. I feel good about the technology,” he said.

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