Ailing player puts damper on Oak Hills win

When Oak Hills defeated Apple Valley 37-7 in the Mojave River League opener Friday, there was reason for initial celebration. But that celebration turned to concern shortly after the game.
Oak Hills retreated to the south end zone as the coaches met with the players after the game as usual. After that, players and coaches began to disperse.
Junior Aaren Villella, a backup linebacker, stopped on the field, sat on the ground, then laid down.
With trainers already leaving the stadium, they had to be called back to tend to Villella.
He complained of being “short of breath, dizzy,” said coach Artie Allen, who believed Villella played a little, late in the game.
Allen said Villella also complained of chest pains as well. He was told by Villella’s parents that their son had previously had a heart-related procedure and that this was likely related to that procedure.
Villella was eventually taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, then later to a Kaiser facility to have tests done.
Allen said Villella was not back at Oak Hills as of Wednesday.
“I’ve never dealt with anything like this before,” Allen said. “We just want him to feel better and get back to school. We’re not even talking about him playing.”

Share this

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email