Simla's Moore wants a chance

Simla's K.C. Moore wants the ball.

The senior quarterback and defensive back wants to prove to himself, to his teammates and community what kind of player he can be.

He may not get that chance. For the past two years Moore has experienced problems breathing when he exerts himself.

Two weeks ago, during Simla's third football practice, he lost consciousness. He was tested last week and doctors have advised him not to participate in sports until they can diagnose the problem.

"We were hitting a little and I just went one too many times," Moore said.

The problem began a year ago when Moore's vocal chords became inflamed during physical exercise. His air passages constricted and he would nearly pass out.

"I pretty much played until I couldn't breathe anymore," Moore said. "So, I wasn't able to play as much as I would have liked."

Moore continued to play through the discomfort, not knowing how serious it was.

"He'd be on the verge of passing out sometimes," Simla football coach Shane Zimmerman said. "It was scary; sometimes he'd look almost dead."

He has had two surgeries. Last November, doctors removed polyps from his nasal passages and straightened out his septum.

"It was better, but still a problem," Moore said. "I had to go on oxygen a couple of times during basketball games, but it was better."

After basketball season, doctors discovered his vocal chords were inflamed because of acid reflux.

In March, Moore had surgery on his stomach and esophagus to alleviate the acid reflux and relieve his vocal chords.

"I only missed about three days of school," Moore said. "But after the second surgery, it was a ton better. I could still tell a little, but I was able to play longer."

When football practice began on Aug. 15, Moore was hopeful. He felt healthy and hoped to become the Cubs' starting quarterback.

"The procedure on my stomach worked (for the acid reflux), so that's good," Moore said. "But it's bad, because now they (doctors) don't know what the real problem is."

Moore is trying to remain optimistic. Playing football is in his blood. His uncle, Ken Moore, coached five state championship football teams at Simla.

"I'm hoping that they fix the problem and I'm still able to play some my senior season," Moore said. "It's a dream scenario, but I will still help out the team any way I can."

"He is a smart kid with a great work ethic," Zimmerman said. "You ask him to do something and he does it. That proves what kind of person he is."

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