One hit.

One hit ended Pat Hurd’s football career at Westbrook High School.

The same hit may have saved the 17-year old’s life.

On Aug. 25 an MRI revealed a tumor, later shown to be cancerous, on Hurd’s spine.

If it weren’t for a routine tackling drill earlier in the week and an on-the-ball athletic trainer, the tumor may never have been found. Or it might have been found too late.

During the drill the 6-foot, 230-pound Hurd called out fellow lineman Eric Anderson. He wanted to hit someone his own size.

The crunching of pads was routine as Hurd and Anderson collided. The sensation that followed was not.

“My whole body just tingled,” Hurd said “I could walk but barely.”

Ever since he started playing football in seventh grade he had felt it: a throbbing in his neck – a small tingle after a big hit, but this was worse.

It had never been this bad.

“I knew something was wrong,” he said. “It went through everything.”

But Hurd was a football player, a lineman, a tough guy. He had shaken off injuries in the past and was prepared to do it again.

In eighth grade he broke a rib in a football game. He ignored it until the next day when a teacher noticed his labored breathing.

This time was different. Westbrook trainer Tracey Carrier – a recent graduate from the University of New England – saw the red flags immediately.

“When you’re an athletic trainer you don’t mess around with necks,” she said. “Especially when there’s tingling down into the arms.”

She urged Hurd to get an X-ray, which he did that night. With each day came another test and another diagnosis.

A neck sprain.

“Just clear me to play,” he’d say.

A blood clot.

“Look I’m fine,” he’d argue, giving proof by moving his neck.

A tumor.

“Excuse me. Doctor, doctor, I’ve got a tumor in my neck. Can you get it out of me so I can get out of here?” were his words to anyone in a white coat.

Before long it became apparent that donning a helmet, shoulder pads and cleats wouldn’t be in his immediate future.

“When I found it was tumor I was mad I couldn’t play football again,” Hurd said. “Then I realized – it’s a tumor. It was serious. It hit me that my health was more important. I still love football but I’m glad I stopped.”

He had surgery August 31. The majority of the tumor was removed. His pinkish 7-inch scar proves it. He’ll start chemotherapy in two weeks to take care of what remains.

Prior to surgery, the day the tumor was found, Hurd rushed nurses to remove his I.V. He had to support his teammates at their scrimmage versus Massabesic.

He continues to supports his teammates like they support him. They were by his side at the hospital in the days after his surgery. He is on the sideline for each of their games.

“I don’t want pity.” he said. “I want support.”

Friday against Bonny Eagle he was there. Walking cane in hand, he kept young players in line and cheered on teammates even when the score wasn’t in their favor.

While he wishes he was on the field, Hurd doesn’t mind the sideline. He hopes to be coaching football soon.

“He is going to be one of those dedicated motivational coaches,” said friend and teammate Tony Cook. “He will be the kind of coach that pats you on the back and tells you ‘good job,’ but also tells you to work harder.”

“He has the personality of a coach,” said sophomore teammate Justin Richards. “He has the know-how. I think he’d make a great coach.”

At the time of Hurd’s injury and diagnoses, Westbrook’s football program was dealing with other issues as well. Multiple players were suspended for violating the school’s code of conduct involving alcohol.

“Certain kids made bad choices, bad decisions,” said Westbrook coach Jason McLeod. “This wasn’t Pat’s choice.

“I wish he could have chosen not to have cancer.”