Ledyard football player remains in critical condition

Ledyard — A Ledyard High School football player was in critical condition Sunday night at Connecticut Children's Medical Center after he collapsed during a game on Saturday morning.

Matthew Buriak, a junior, was playing in a junior varsity football game at Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton Saturday morning when he collapsed on the field, said Ledyard superintendent Michael Graner.

"We're all concerned and we're all praying," Graner said. "The team has been briefed about his condition and we are all extremely concerned."

After Buriak collapsed, he was rushed by ambulance to The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, where he was listed in critical condition. On Sunday, he was transferred to Hartford, where a hospital spokesman said he remained in critical condition.

On Sunday night a large group of students gathered at the high school to pray for his recovery. About 200 people also posted comments supporting Buriak and his family on a Facebook page. 

 In addition to playing football, Buriak is an honor roll student and plays baseball.

m.collette@theday.com