PORTLAND, Ore. — A Friday night high school football game between David Douglas and Gresham came to a sudden and emotional halt after a Gresham player suffered a serious neck injury, prompting both teams to call off the contest.
The Injury on the Field
With just under 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter at David Douglas High School, the Scots’ running back Malakai Fong took a handoff and charged to his left. The play ended in a devastating collision with Gresham junior Tucker Santilanes, who collapsed motionless on the turf.
As the crowd fell silent, players from both sidelines were escorted away while coaches and medical personnel rushed to Santilanes’ side. For roughly 20 minutes, trainers worked to stabilize him as concern mounted among teammates, families, and fans in the stands.
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An ambulance eventually drove onto the field, and both teams gathered together to support Santilanes as he was taken away. The game, with Gresham leading 21–0, never resumed.
A Father’s Update
Later that night, Tucker’s father, Tom Santilanes, shared an update on Facebook. He revealed that his son had sustained a neck injury that required surgery to repair his C5 vertebra.
“Some people may write off Gresham — I’m here to tell you there is something truly special about our city and GHS,” he wrote. “What we experienced from this community tonight was remarkable.”
Signs of Recovery
By Saturday, encouraging news began to surface. Gresham head coach Cesar Martinez confirmed that Santilanes underwent a three-hour surgery early that morning. While the long-term outcome remains uncertain, he has since regained more feeling and mobility in his arms.
Martinez said Santilanes was able to sit upright in bed, drink juice, and even watch some college football. “Football is a brotherhood and family regardless of what team you play for,” Martinez said in a statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive. “When this happens to one of our sons on the field, it affects us all. Tucker and his family are in all of our hearts and prayers. We will come together as one and be there for Tucker and his family through it all. We love you, Tuck, and ALWAYS G’S UP.”
Rivalry Put Aside
Both schools quickly expressed solidarity following the incident. David Douglas’ football team released a message Saturday afternoon offering thoughts and prayers to Tucker and his family.
“The color of our jerseys may be different but over everything, football is a family. And we are with you,” the statement read.
Athletic Director: “Last Thing We Are Thinking About Is a Game”
While the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has not yet determined whether the suspended game will be resumed or recorded as final, school officials made clear that football results are secondary.
“Our community is very shook up about Tucker’s injury,” said Gresham athletic director Anna Heuberger in an email. “Last thing we are thinking about is a game right now.”
Looking Ahead
Both teams will return to action next week, though the focus remains on Santilanes’ recovery. David Douglas (0–2) is scheduled to travel to Parkrose, while Gresham (0–2) will host Hood River Valley.
For now, the Friday night lights shine not on the scoreboards or standings, but on the resilience and unity of two rival programs and the wider community, all rallying behind a young athlete fighting his way back from a frightening injury.
