Paraclete Players Hurt by Car Might Come Back This Season

Although seven Paraclete High football players were injured on Thursday night after practice when a sport utility vehicle slammed into a crowd of students, Coach Jeff Cortez said some could be back in uniform later this season.

Six of the players were on the varsity, although none were starters. Police arrested John Owen Bower, 36, of Lancaster on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs after the 1982 Jeep Wagoneer he was driving rammed into a picnic table on which the students were sitting as they waited for rides following practice.

Cortez said the players were taken to hospitals, where they were treated and released. The most serious injuries were sprains, ligament damage and deep bruises and cuts.

“We feel very fortunate,” Cortez said. “I’m glad no one died--there were 20 kids sitting out there.”

Cortez said the Spirits, who have a roster of 41, might bring up some junior varsity players.