Green Valley senior linebacker LaQuan Phillips, who was temporarily paralyzed on Sept. 5 during a game against Centennial, is seen here cheering on his teammates during the Henderson Bowl on Oct. 30. Phillips returned to class at Green Valley High Monday.
Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 | 8 p.m.
Beyond the Bowl
Henderson Bowl XVIII did more than just determine the Southeast Division winner, it capped off the turn-around of one senior class and the comeback of one senior player. Watch as Green Valley and Basic battle it out for the Bowl, the City Championship and the Number One seed in the playoffs.
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.
Related stories
- With loss behind him, injured player eyes new goal (Oct. 31)
- Injured player surprises teammates with rivalry on the line (Oct. 30)
- Basic set for Henderson Bowl showdown with Green Valley (Oct. 28)
- Injured player’s spirits still riding high (Oct. 21)
- Injured Green Valley high school football player heads to rehab (Sept. 15)
- Spine injury won't defeat him (Sept. 12)
- Accident serves as a lesson to all (Sept. 11)
- Player listed in fair condition (Sept. 11)
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LaQuan Phillips was happy to be back at school, finally.
Phillips, a Green Valley High football player who was left temporarily paralyzed with a bruised spine from making a tackle in a game Sept. 5, returned to classes Monday after three months in the hospital.
He was greeted with hugs from classmates and signs decorating the hallways welcoming him back.
"They made me feel like I was back in my normal state," Phillips said.
Phillips, who hasn't walked since the incident but has regained most feeling on both sides of his body, had been recovering at Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento, Calif., the past six weeks. He changed classrooms in his wheelchair.
He returned home to east Las Vegas last week and is continuing therapy at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Center in Henderson. His therapist from Shriners joined him at Healthsouth Monday for his first session there.
Phillips can stand as long as he has support and thinks walking will come in time. His goal is to walk across the stage at graduation in early June.
"I'm close to walking," he said. "I'm just going to keep smiling and stay confident that it will happen. That smile will never go away."
He'll attend the team's football banquet on Thursday night.
"We're real excited to have him back and have him at our banquet," Green Valley coach Matt Gerber said. "That is all the kids are talking about."
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected].
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