No charges to be filed after controversial football hit

DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Douglas County Sheriff's Department has determined that no charges will be filed following a collision that left a high school football player with a serious neck injury.

Highlands Ranch faced Rangeview in a playoff game Saturday afternoon.

A senior lineman from Rangeview was injured on the play and was listed in serious condition Monday night at Littleton Adventist Hospital.

During the play in question, no flag was thrown and no penalty called.

After the tape of the play was reviewed by Rangeview, Highlands Ranch High School and the Colorado High School Activities Association, it was given to the Douglas County Sheriff's Department for review.

They have determined that no charges will be filed against the football player and no further investigation will be necessary.

Whei Wong, a spokeswoman for the Douglas County School District, says the district, school leaders and the athlete's family agreed to take "appropriate" action in the case. However, because that action was part of student record, the district says it cannot release any specifics.

Highlands Ranch High School Principal Jerry Goings would not disclose his opinion of the controversial hit but said it appeared to have happened "in the heat of the moment."

Goings described both players as "fine young men" with histories of good sportsmanship.

"We're just devastated by the fact that someone was seriously injured," said Goings. "We don't play football games to have people injured."

Rangeview Athletic Director Vic Strouse and Head Football Coach Dave Gonzalez did not immediately return calls requesting comment.