Prep Football Players Recovering After Post-Game Shooting

Two Simon Gratz football players were recovering after being shot near Broad Street and Hunting Park Avenue at about 9 p.m. Friday.

The incident followed a 6 p.m. Public League Class AAA contest between host Gratz and Murrell Dobbins Tech, won by Gratz, 32-0. It occurred away from Gratz's Super Site.

A 16-year-old player was reportedly hit several times in the buttocks, thigh and calf, and a 17-year-old player was hit in the leg. Both were taken to Temple University Hospital.

Temple University Health System spokeswoman Giselle Zayon said Sunday afternoon that the 16-year-old remained hospitalized and was listed in stable condition. The 17-year-old was released late Friday night, according to sources.

Gratz and Dobbins are North Philly neighbors. Sources said the shootings were not football-related.

"Thankfully, our buses left about 10 minutes before it happened," Dobbins coach John Sullivan said. "It was a real scare. I hope those kids are OK. A lot of our players are friendly with their players."

Gratz coach Erik Zipay, also the school's athletic director, could not be reached for comment.