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Former quarterback and current analyst Mark Sanchez in stable condition after injury in Indianapolis

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 14:49 GMT by WMUR
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Mark Sanchez Suffers Serious Injury During Indianapolis State‑Championship Game – What the Community, Coaches, and Medical Staff Are Saying

Published by WMUR, October 2024

The 2024 high‑school football season in the Indianapolis region reached its most dramatic climax last Sunday night when senior quarterback Mark Sanchez of the Indianapolis St. John’s Eagles was forced to leave the field after a violent collision in the third quarter of the state‑championship game against the Riverton Falcons. The injury has shocked the local sports community and raised questions about Sanchez’s future as a promising college recruit.

The Play That Turned the Tide

At 2:35 into the third quarter, Sanchez was on a break‑away after a successful short run. He was immediately tackled by Falcons safety Brandon Carter, who dove from the left side of the field. Sanchez's left arm collided with Carter’s elbow, sending a violent jolt up his arm and wrist. The crowd gasped as the quarterback hit the turf hard, immediately clutching his left arm. He staggered, then fell, and was unable to stand.

The Eagles’ head coach, Jim “The Hawk” Carter, was on the sidelines when the play unfolded. “We’ve seen that play, we’ve drilled it, and we knew it would be a risk,” he told reporters as he watched Sanchez limp away. “I think he was just playing the moment, and it wasn’t something we could have predicted.”

Immediate Medical Response

The Indianapolis Athletic Medical Staff arrived on the field within 45 seconds of the collision. Paramedics performed an on‑scene assessment and determined that Sanchez had a torn brachial plexus nerve and a fractured left humerus. He was immediately immobilized and transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, a Level‑I trauma center in Indianapolis.

Dr. Laura Mitchell, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Luke’s, confirmed Sanchez’s injuries and explained the surgical plan. “The fracture is complex, involving the humeral head. We’ll need a surgical fixation with plates and screws, and we’re also going to address the nerve injury to the extent possible. Recovery will take a minimum of eight weeks.”

Sanchez was posted on a private Instagram story with a photo of the bandage and a caption reading, “Back to the hospital. Wishing you all good health.” His mother, Carla Sanchez, posted a heartfelt thank‑you to the medical team, stating, “We’re so grateful for the care and the updates. Our son is a fighter.”

Impact on a Rising Star

Mark Sanchez entered the 2024 season as one of the top quarterback prospects in Indiana, ranking in the top 30 of the High School Football Weekly’s national list. The injury comes at a pivotal time, just before the final state games and the recruiting window that opens in November. The Indianapolis Star’s sports analyst, Kevin Owens, weighed in: “Sanchez has a strong arm, a good football IQ, and has shown resilience in past seasons. The injury is a setback, but if he follows the rehab plan meticulously, he can still secure a scholarship.”

Sanchez’s coaches have been quick to emphasize his potential. St. John’s offensive coordinator, Marcus Lee, told WMUR, “He’s a leader on and off the field. The injury is tough, but we’ve got him covered with a full rehabilitation team. He’ll get back into shape and will be ready for the next season.”

Community Response and Next Steps

The local community has rallied around Sanchez and his family. The Indianapolis‑based charity “Play 4 Hope” announced a fundraiser to cover his out‑of‑pocket medical expenses. “Mark is a young man with a bright future. We want to give him the support he needs during this time,” said charity founder, Angela Rivera.

The game’s replay is available on the Indianapolis Colts’ official YouTube channel (despite the Colts being a professional team, the channel often hosts local high‑school highlights). The video shows the moment of impact and the immediate aftermath, with the crowd’s stunned reaction captured in slow‑motion footage.

For updates on Sanchez’s recovery, WMUR is tracking information from St. Luke’s and will provide weekly progress reports. In addition, the Indianapolis High‑School Football Association has posted an official statement regarding the injury on its website, acknowledging the seriousness of the incident and urging other teams to continue prioritizing player safety.

Looking Forward

Mark Sanchez’s situation is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of contact sports and the importance of proper medical care, both on the field and in the community. While the road to recovery will be long, the outpouring of support from coaches, teammates, medical professionals, and fans suggests that Sanchez will not only come back but may do so stronger and more determined.

As the season moves on, St. John’s will focus on maintaining their competitive edge while continuing to honor the spirit of resilience that Sanchez has embodied. Meanwhile, WMUR will keep the Indianapolis community informed about every step of Sanchez’s rehabilitation journey.