A Manchester girl who suffered neck and head injuries during a Sunday youth football league game is recovering at home, her mother said.
Alexis Difilippo, 12, is recovering from "severe" whiplash and a concussion she sustained in an American Youth Football game held at the sports complex on Route 571, her mother Kim Pyne said in an email.
"She is currently experiencing blurred vision, dizziness and nausea from the concussion," Pyne said. "She does have some swelling in the back of the neck as well but she is resting at home with her twin sister and the rest of her family."
Manchester police Patrolman Keith Craig responded to the field at 12:37 p.m. Sunday for a 12-year-old football player with a neck injury.
Upon Craig's arrival, medical personnel were stabilizing the girl, one of four captains of her team, on the 50-yard line where the injury occurred.
Pyne said that the injuries happened during the game's second quarter.
"Alexis tackled him from behind when they went to the ground some part of the other players uniform became caught up on her helmet causing her head to abruptly twist," she said.
The girl, who was named an all star at the first game of the season, was in and out of consciousness following the injury and the medical personnel on scene requested a helicopter for transport to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. A MONOC MedEvac helicopter was dispatched to the landing zone at Manchester Township Middle School.
"It was a challenge to keep her conscious but all of the coaches did an outstanding job. I was on the field with her the entire time as I have spent 20-plus years in EMS both in a volunteer and paid capacity," Pyne said.
Manchester and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Companies were also dispatched to secure the landing zone. Once stabilized the patient was flown via helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
Difilippo, a guard and tackle who is in her third year playing, will not be able to compete in her team's playoff run, her mother said, though she "is looking forward to getting back out on the field next season."
The family of the middle school honor student thanked those who helped Difilippo after the incident.
"We truly appreciate the outpouring of concern from all of the players, coaches and families," she said, adding that Mayor Michael Fressola called to express his concern. "Officer Craig from the Manchester Police Department, Quality Medical staff, and the paramedics did an outstanding job and we are grateful."
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What the heck is mommy trying to prove. NO girl has any place in a boy's league. Smarten up mom, take her out before she's a cripple. OMG Wishing Alexis a full recovery
I see you have not quoted the fact that her team was undefeated last year and were the B division champions nor have you stated that they are in the playoffs again this season! Being as it is a YOUTH football league gender plays no issue here. Alexis is one of the stronger players on the team, holds her own with no special treatment and could give any boy her age a run for their money! The incident was a freak accident that occurred when SHE MADE THE TACKLE not as a result of her being tackled. She has earned the respect of her coaches, teammates, fans, and players on other teams because she is a strong dedicated player! She has proven that time and again! Perhaps before you pass judgement based on gender you should come out and see her play!! Thank you for your well wishes anyway!! VERY PROUD MOM OF MANCHESTER HAWKS PEE WEE #11
And as far as "Mommy" goes, she is not trying to prove anything. Her daughter chose the sport, not her. Unfortunately, there are injuries in EVERY sport, not just football. I have seen Alexis in action and let me tell you, she is TOUGH! Real tough! She does not back down from a challenge. If you read the article, she was the one making the tackle.
Then again, if i had a son, I wouldn't have him play football either... listen folks... we are not talking about a sprain ankle or broken arm or even acl... we are talking about a concussion and whiplash.. that is a serious injury.
Why is everyone always quick to blame the mother? Where is the father? Why doesn't the school have an all girl football league as many do for soccer? "Guess who" feels girls should't play boy sports at all, then boys should't be on cheerleading nor choose a profession such as a nurse.
There are risks associated with any sport, there are risks associated with everything a reasonably active person does. This should not hold anyone back from living their life to the fullest! I suppose neither of you goes to amusement parks, play any sports, ride a bike, roller skate, skateboard, drive a car, cross a street, fly on a plane, or leave your house. Hell the Shoprite parking lot on any given day is a risk all of it's own!! She is an active child, she is a strong child, she just happens to be a girl. I have personally seen her take a 180 pound man to the ground with a cut block before he even knew what hit him!! As for her father, he could not be more proud of her, he is at practices and games cheering her on loud and proud! Too many kids are spending too much time sitting on their lazy butts watching tv, playing video games, walking with their faces smashed into a phone. Kids need motivation, and drive to succeed in life, if this is her driving force so be it! This child is conscientous, compassionate, driven, respectful and motivated. She is an honor student, has been named student of the month multiple times, received a good citizenship award and takes pride in being a leader not a follower! Looks like mommy raised a Lady who will take no sh**!!! Great job momma K!!
I gotcha lex, i gotcha..i think you know who it is now(;