Greenfield, Tennessee–A Greenfield football player is recovering at Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he was airlifted from Friday night’s football game against South Fulton.
Blake Rodehaver, a senior for the Greenfield Yellowjackets, began feeling ill as he came off the field with 2:05 remaining in the game. Rodehaver lay on the ground and it was at first thought he was overheated. Athletic trainers cooled him down with water and he stopped breathing.
According to Weakley County Press Sports Editor Randy Cavin, CPR was performed and he was injected with two EpiPens. An ambulance arrived and more CPR was performed in the ambulance and he was stabilized. Air Evac landed nearby in Greenfield.
Blake’s sister Sierra Replogle posted a photo on Facebook overnight which showed Blake in his hospital bed but smiling, with the message, “Keeping it short until tomorrow. But keep the prayers coming we feel them. I’m sorry if I haven’t gotten to your texts and calls. Blake has asked several times about all the players and everyone else! We love you all, tomorrow is more tests. As of just now. All tests have come back clear, just some bruised lungs from CPR. Going to do more investigating! Thank you Vandy for being so great with my brother!”
Cavin said the Yellowjackets were leading the Red Devils 20-14 when the game was called a no-contest by the head coaches, Greenfield principal Jeff Cupples and the game officials.
Players and officials and fans from both teams gathered on the field in prayer for Rodehaver.
Obion County School officials also asked for prayers for him. “This player is also a former South Fulton student. At this time, we ask that all of Obion County Schools take a moment to pause and pray for healing and protection for this player and his family. We also ask that you pray for peace of mind and heart over both teams. Greenfield, we see you, we hear you, and we are praying for you.”