By Matt Popchock

(mpopchock@kdka.com)

Multiple sources close to Hopewell senior tailback Rushel Shell, including some within the school, say the WPIAL career rushing leader sustained a concussion and will likely miss the Vikings’ game against Class AAA Parkway Conference rival New Castle at Tony Dorsett Stadium Friday night.

Shell reportedly sustained the injury in last week’s loss at Blackhawk. Furthermore, Shell himself, as of late Thursday evening, has not commented on these claims. However, it sounds like a strong possibility the Vikings will be without their star against the Red Hurricane.

If that is the case, it would certainly be a lucky break for the visitors. Shell was held to 109 rushing yards last week by Blackhawk, a team against which he has struggled constantly, but in contrast, he has scored six career TD’s and averaged nearly 200 yards per game against New Castle.

Ironically, this report came to 93.7 The Fan on the same day the PA House of Representatives passed important new scholastic sports legislation regarding concussions.

The Safety in Youth Sports Act was passed unanimously Thursday, and will likely get state Senate and gubernatorial approval. The new law would require student-athletes who get concussed to avoid playing their sport of choice until they are cleared by a doctor. In addition, it would require coaches to complete special training on how to deal with players who suffer such an injury.

(Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/mpopchock)