Standout Recovering From Football Injury

By Latoya Silmon, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Victory Christian football player is recovering from a massive head injury.  His family says the senior standout is making progress and is determined to not let the injury sideline him.

Sterling Willis is one of the Conqueror's shining stars.

"We're biased, but we think he's a pretty good player," said his dad, Joe Willis.

But, now the standout could be out for the season and his entire football career hangs in the balance.

"Apparently the hit came in somewhere on the side of his head, but he continued to play," said Sterling's mother, Beth Willis. 

It happened during the first quarter of last Friday's game against Inola, but Sterling didn't collapse until the fourth quarter.

"You just, you know, adrenaline kicks in and you immediately say God take care of him," said Sterling's mother, Beth Willis. 

They say God is answering their prayers.   Doctors were able to remove the blood clot in Sterling's brain.  He's now recovering in ICU, on a ventilator and he's even writing notes.

The nurse said that was an amazing step.  The things that have happened have already been what we consider a series of miracles that we believe are going to continue until he walks out and tell people what's happened to him," said his dad, Joe Willis.

In the meantime, classmates are telling the senior what he means to them.  And, many others in the community have stopped by the hospital.

The Willis's say their son is strong and can tackle whatever comes his way, even if that means a return to the field.

"I just have to trust God.  You know that's his dreams and his desires so I'm going to walk him through whatever the steps are to get him whatever God's plan is for him," said Sterling's mother, Beth Willis. 

Sterling's classmates plan to honor him at Friday's game.  Many of them will wear T-shirts at the game bearing his number, 13.