Haskell Football Team Plays With Injured Teammate On Their Minds

It's been one week since Haskell High School football player Reuben Thomas was flown to a Tulsa Hospital after being getting hurt during a football game in Henryetta.

In the October 7 football game, his teammates took the field for the first time since his injury, with Thomas on their minds.

It's been an emotional week for high school football players here but also for the Haskell community.  

After a heavily attended prayer vigil this week, many came to Friday's game with their focus on Thomas.

Students showed support for Thomas and wanted to send him messages such as they're praying for him and that he's like family to them and means a lot to the school. 

10/5/2016 Related Story: Communities Rally Behind Recovering High School Football Player

The Haskell Haymakers took the field - but with one missing.  

Thomas was sidelined after being injured last Friday during a football game against Henryetta.

"We just love them," a student said of the Thomas family. "And we are constantly praying for them. We're here for them."

The News On 6 learned Thomas had been hurt earlier in the season but was cleared to play by a doctor last Friday, September 30, 2016. 

His injuries during the game were so severe he was flown by helicopter to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa.   

"It was terrifying, everybody stood up and started crying and was shaking," one student said. 

Since then, the Haskell community has come together, including with Facebook pages full of sentiments pledging hope and prayers for Reuben. 

"Its awful nice to see we can all bond together for a great cause, and be behind someone that's so important like Reuben," Coach Greg said. 

At Friday's game, people wore t-shirts and bracelets to raise money for the family.

The football players all wore Thomas' number - 33 - on their helmets and his half-brother wore Thomas' jersey to show support.  

"Right now one of our family members is struggling a little bit.  But without a doubt we know that everything is going to work out," Coach Greg said. 

Even the opposing team's band made a sign to show support, and Thomas' wellbeing is more important than any game. 

"We just want to show our support to them," a student said. "We just want to show that we care." 

Another student voiced his love for Thomas.

"Love you, you know what we're doing," he said. "We're behind you 100 percent." 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with medical costs.