Football team rallies around injured quarterback

HERNANDO COUNTY (FOX 13) - Central High School fans wore white shirts with the number three, in honor of 16-year old junior, Sebastian Rivera, the team's quarterback. 

The Central High Bears took on the Hornets of Weeki Wachee Friday night.

"He's going through a hard time, just really want to support him, and his family, " said Michael Wheeler, a close friend.

"People are going to be emotional watching the game knowing they're playing for Sebastian," said longtime friend Josh Bonczek.

Bonczek has known Rivera since the 4th grade. He says the news of his friend's motorcycle accident shook him to his core. "Just praying day and night he gets through it," he said.

Rivera was riding his motorcycle to school Tuesday morning when he ran into a vehicle in front of him.  It happened in Brooksville on Mariner Boulevard near Delbarton Street.   He was thrown from the bike and hit by another car.

"Oh my god!  I was devastated. I am still devastated," said family friend Michelle Bonczek.  She has started an online fundraising effort to help with rising medical bills.

On Facebook, Rivera's father posted a small sign of hope. His son is able to breathe without the help of a respirator.

"I think it's a miracle.  I think he needs a miracle. Still he has a long road ahead of him," said Bonczek.
But he'll have support and prayers all along the way.  "I hope and pray for him every day 24/7,"  Bonczek added.