Father Lopez running back improving

Posted Sep 27, 2010 by Katherine Smith

Updated Sep 27, 2010 at 02:10 PM

Daytona Beach Father Lopez running back Erik Hatch is in fair condition at Tampa General Hospital three days after suffering blunt-force head trauma during a game against Seffner Christian.

The Tampa Tribune originally reported Hatch was injured in the fourth quarter of the Green Wave’s victory over Seffner Christian at Plant City High. He came off the sidelines on his own, but soon collapsed and was airlifted to Tampa General. He underwent two hours of surgery to relieve swelling and blood on his brain.

Hatch is expected to remain in the intensive care unit for a couple of days before moving into a private room.

Seffner Christian coach Steve Lewis said the impact that caused the injury was a cheek-to-cheek collision and his player wasn’t hurt at all. Lewis met with Hatch’s parents at the hospital on Sunday.

“It was a freak contact that caused something serious,” Lewis said. “The mother and father are very encouraged with the progress he’s making. Everything is pointing in the positive direction”