Sports : Vikings lose to S. Tama; Womochil home after ambulance ride

The Vinton-Shellsburg varsity football team quickly fell behind the highly-rated Class 2A South Tama Trojans on Friday. But after giving up 14 first quarter points, the Viking defense contained the ST and its explosive running backs for the rest of the game.

But one play in the third quarter left the audience silent and the Viking quarterback corps -- which has already suffered two injuires -- saw another one of its members go down.

A South Tama defender intercepted a Viking pass and QB Jordan Womochil joined in the attempt to tackle the Trojan. But when the play ended with a ST touchdown, the senior lay motionless on the field. Medical trainers and North Benton ambulance staff followed the protocol for possible head or neck injuries, backing the ambulance onto the field and using immobilizers for the player. The quarterback, who is the son of head coach Jim Womochil, went to Virginia Gay Hospital for evaluation.

Fortunately, the senior did not suffer any serious injuries, and was discharged from the hospital on Saturday.

"The medical professionals treated the situation seriously and with Jordan's best interest in mind," said Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock. "We were all relieved to hear he was able to come home. The entire school district is appreciative of the fast and professional response by the emergency responders, Dr. Meeker and so many others."

After Womochil's injury, sophomore Will Edwards filled the quarterback position. Other injured Vikings who have played at QB include Junior Jared Thompson, who broke his arm during last week's JV game; and sophomore Blake Bohnsack, who broke his collarbone in the Blow-Out scrimmage game.

Coach Womochil accompanied Jordan to the hospital. Assistant coach Andrew May said the injuries leave some questions for future games. But, he adds: "We have a lot of athletes." Coaches had already begun working with Edwards at the QB spot in practices.

The Vikings travel to Charles City next Friday to begin district play. The Comets lost to Osage, which is coached by VS alum Matt Finn, in the opener, then defeated New Hampton, 26-13, on Friday.

See photos of the games by clicking the links below:

Varsity

Fresh/Soph