16-year-old Junior and high school varsity football player Tom Cutinella died hours after being hit and fatally injured on October 1, 2014 at 6pm on a Wednesday. “It is a shame, it can happen to anybody, it can happen anywhere in any sport.” Annandale football head coach Michael Scott said.

This unfortunate event has sparked some controversy regarding the safety of football and whether or not it is appropriate for a high school setting. In the past, there have been some complaints about the safety of student-athletes participating in the football program at Annandale.   “There’s been a huge push, especially in Fairfax County where we’ve partnered up with USA football and Heads Up football.” Coach Scott said. “At Annandale High School we have the best, most high rated helmets available. Every year we get them reconditioned, every year we buy new ones, we do everything we can to make it as safe as possible but unfortunately it is not a

safe sport.”

AHS Football has been victim to many injuries in the past, so no doubt the story of No. 54 caused some paranoia among students, parents and athletes alike. “I think that Fairfax County was smart to try to get ahead of this because it is a very serious issue, it’s in the news a lot and it should be.” said Coach Scott.

The players are trained in practice to do their best to avoid these injuries and to be prepared for them mentally and physically. “It’s a dangerous sport but if you do what you’re supposed to do and what you’re coached to do then the chances of you getting hurt are much slimmer.” said senior and varsity linebacker Ayo Fakulujo.

The Atoms are given top of the line equipment to ensure they are at their safest when playing and practicing.  “We have the helmets, the highest rated helmets. The one we have is called the Speed Revolution and it ranks as the highest one.” Coach Scott said.

Football is deemed one of the most dangerous contact sports there are. A lot of accidents are unavoidable and only so much can be done with the equipment and training given to players. “Unfortunately it’s a very real danger. Heads Up football was good, the equipment being reevaluated and trying to find the safest equipment, all that was really really good. Teaching the fundamentals was really really good, but like I said it’s a tough game.” Annandale continues to keep players safe while they maintain a positive outlook on the rest of the season.