PCHS sophomore Joe Hardy is back on his feet after breaking his femur bone in PCHS’ season opener against Falkville last week.

By Nicole Burns for the FCT

Phil Campbell High School head football Coach Ryan Swinney calls it a freak accident. Sophomore wingback Joe Hardy was knocked off his feet by a routine tackle in the game against Falkville Friday night.

Swinney said the tackle didn’t appear to be that bad, but Hardy’s footing just happened to be in the wrong place when an opposing player swung him around, snapping his femur in half.

“I am feeling pretty good,” said PCHS sophomore Joe Hardy. “Surgery went well. I’m supposed to start rehab this week. We are just praying for a quick recovery.”

Hardy’s family joked on social media about the possibility of him coaching from the sidelines, since he will be off the field for much, if not all, of the season. Swinney said that’s no joke. It’s the new game plan.

“Joe is always going to be a big part of the team. He’s going to be one of the best coaches we have on the sidelines,” said Swinney. “He loves the game. He studies the game. He’s a coach’s dream.”

The Bobcats were on Falkville Blue Devil turf for their first game of the season. Falkville came out with the win 24-21. The Hardy family says the Falkville community has been nothing short of a class act through this whole ordeal.

“Falkville has been very supportive,” said Hardy. “Coach Joel Schrenk and the players have kept up with my progress from the beginning. Schrenk and several players and parents visited me in the hospital and brought gifts. They have shown great sportsmanship and class from the beginning.”

Despite the early injury, both Swinney and Hardy said the season looks bright for the Phil Campbell Bobcats. “The team looks good, and we have a chance to do big things this year,” said Hardy. “I plan on helping out anyway I can. I will be there to support my teammates … Whatever I can do to help the team, I’m going to do.”

The school’s Facebook page was flooded with messages and inquiries from concerned people over the weekend. Hardy said that’s what he’s come to love about his hometown.

“We are a family. My teammates, coaches and community have been there for me since the beginning,” he said. “It makes me realize how lucky I am to play in a place like Phil Campbell. I hope everyone comes out to support my Bobcats Friday night for our first home game against Sumiton Christian.”

PCHS takes on Sumiton Christian Friday night at 7 p.m. at Parrish Stadium.