(9-9-26) Sulligent’s (Ala) Brady Ty Bennett, a senior offensive and defensive lineman, suffered multiple seizures in the waning moments of Friday night’s 36-33 win over South Lamar.
Sulligent (Ala) HS Football Coach Brian Gunnels said Bennett played most of the game Friday night. He is a two-way starter at right tackle and on the defensive line.
“They (South Lamar) scored to take the lead with a little over a minute left, BT came to the side and said he didn’t feel very well. We scored to take the lead with 44 seconds left and, all of the sudden, I looked down the sideline and there were about 15 people around him when he started seizing.”
The game was delayed for approximately a half hour, and Bennett was taken to Tupelo – about an hour from Sulligent.
“Once everything happened, everyone tried to get their composure back to finish the game. We kicked off. Ultimately, we got an interception and kneeled on it to end the game.”
What caused the incident-
“We later found out they were caused by an acute brain bleed. He underwent brain surgery at North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo and is now in CCU. He is on a ventilator to give his body and brain time to rest and begin to heal. He will continue to have more testing as the doctors monitor him closely.”
Courtesy Rick Karle’s Good New
Many of y’all have been asking me for an update on Sulligent High School senior football player Brady Ty Bennett.
Last Friday BT suffered a brain bleed and is hospitalized in Tupelo.
Sulligent football coach Brian Gunnels sent me an update late last night:
“At the end of Friday night’s game, BT suffered multiple seizures.
We later found out they were caused by an acute brain bleed.
“BT underwent brain surgery at NMMC Tupelo and is now in CCU. He is on a ventilator to allow his body and brain to rest and begin to heal, and he will have more testing as the doctors continue to monitor him.
“Tonight’s (Tuesday) 6 PM visit gave us some encouraging signs.
“BT was still responsive to us and was tracking me very well with his eyes.
His vitals were good, and his fever was down.
“His sedation was restarted because he was getting a little irritable, but seeing those responses from him meant a lot to us.
He continues to receive antibiotics for pneumonia.
“As his coach, BT means more to me than just a player on a football team.
He is one of our guys, and right now our team, our school, and so many people who love him are standing beside him and his family.
“We are thankful for every little bit of progress.
We know there is still a long road ahead, but we are going to keep believing, keep praying, and keep fighting with him.
“Please keep BT, his mom, and their entire family in your prayers.
“Pray for healing, strength, and more progress.”
“God Is Good
“Joshua 1:9”
I want to thank Coach Gunnels for the update.
I ask that each of us pray for BT and ask Him to heal this fine young man.
Today’s update
Note: Stateline area football fans understand what is happening in Alabama. Celina’s Parker Wynk in the first game of the season suffered a severe spinal injury and still remains in the hospital. Prayers are needed for both players and their families.
Blake Richards Facebook post—
Last night’s South Lamar vs. Sulligent matchup was everything Friday night football is meant to be — two teams battling with heart, trading scores, answering each other drive for drive, and keeping the scoreboard lit up almost every possession. You could feel the intensity from the opening kickoff, the kind of game where every snap mattered and both fan bases were fully locked in.
But then everything changed in a single moment.
When a player went down on the sideline, the stadium shifted. The noise faded to silence. The rivalry paused. Players from both teams walked to midfield and formed a circle, shoulder to shoulder, united in prayer. And the fans — from South Lamar and Sulligent alike — stayed in the stands in complete, reverent silence. It was the kind of quiet that only comes when people are leaning on something greater than themselves.
In that moment, football stepped aside and faith stepped forward.
It reminded all of us that God is near when His people come together. That when we lift someone up in prayer, He hears. That even in the middle of competition, compassion can rise higher than any scoreboard. And that this community knows how to stand together when it matters most. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10
Today we continue to pray for Brady Ty Bennett, his parents, and the entire Sulligent family. May God’s healing, comfort, and strength surround them.
Stateline Sports Network 