Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 | 2:09 p.m.
Fighting Back
Green Valley defensive back LaQuan Phillips was left temporarily paralyzed after making a tackle in last Friday's game against Centennial. One week later, he's already showing that he's stronger and more determined than ever.
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LaQuan Phillips will be transported from the Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Sunrise Hospital Tuesday morning to Shriner's Hospital for Children at University of California at Davis in a medevac helicopter.
Phillips, the Green Valley High football player who was temporarily paralyzed while making a tackle in a football game Sept. 5, has yet to walk after bruising his spine on the play.
He has slowly regained minor movements in his arms, legs and shoulders, including moving his left arm back and forth in a therapy session Monday morning, said Delphine Lakes, his aunt and guardian. Lakes said her nephew has also had smaller movements in both legs and feeling on his left knee.
"It was nice to see him move, even if it was just an inch," Green Valley coach Matt Gerber said. "It's just going to take some time."
Phillips is expected to make a full recovery. Doctors have told the family Phillips could take his first step in six to eight weeks. He has said he hopes to be on the sidelines with his teammates Oct. 30 for Henderson Bowl against Basic.
"He is just doing phenomenal," Lakes said.
Sports Editor Ray Brewer can be reached at [email protected] or 990-2662.
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