Wildomar Cornerstone Christian quarterback Ryan "Dax" McGregor is in critical but stable condition Tuesday after he suffered a head injury last week during a game on Catalina Island.
McGregor, 17, had to be airlifted from the island to UCLA Harbor Trauma Center, where he underwent emergency brain surgery.
"I hope that he really does come back and play," said Joseff Cody. "We need our quarterback back, and I need my best friend back."
"I saw that he got hit, and I asked him is he OK and he said, yea," Cody said. "He would never say that he was hurt."
Coaches say they think one of three plays may have injured McGregor, but they’re still reviewing video from the game, according to the Press Enterprise. The quarterback reportedly walked off the field and said something was wrong.
At Wildomar Cornerstone Christian, "Pray for Dax" tags sit in the front office while students, friends and even those who don't know him are wearing "Pray for Dax" stickers.
"He's like the star football player, the quarterback," said friend Jake Anderson. "On top of that it's a very small school."
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A small school with big heart that’s praying for a miracle.
"It's really encouraging to know that everybody here really cares for each other," said friend Zach Brisson, "and that we all really want Dax to come back soon."
A fundraiser has been established through giveforward.com to help defray medical costs. So far, about $7,500 has been raised toward a $25,000 goal.
McGregor -- the oldest of three boys -- is a senior varsity quarterback. He attended Elsinore High School for three years before joining Wildomar Cornerstone Christian.
