By Cecil Conley

Sports Editor

A steady stream of well-wishers flows into Sutter Roseville Medical Center to see Thomas Little. The Lincoln High School senior has become more popular after losing football than he was playing it.

And the 17-year-old could play the game he loves. Teammates describe the linebacker as the heart and soul of the defense. His absence leaves a void that may take more than one player to fill.

Little has told his teammates that his departure will not be permanent. He plans to play this season.

“His attitude is that he will step out on the field in full uniform,” said Little’s father, Tim.

Chances are that will not happen. Thomas’ face was shattered Aug. 24 when the car he was driving slammed into a tree. He has undergone two surgeries and remains in intensive care. His recovery could take months.

Leave it to Thomas to think he can heal in time to play this season, even if it can be just for one snap.

Imagine what that would mean to Little’s brother, Joe, a junior lineman with the Zebras.

“We both love football so much,” Joe said.

Joe wondered whether he could go on without Thomas, Tim said. Joe considered quitting until Thomas set him straight. The only way Thomas could have one last season would be for Joe to play it.

“Ever since then, Joseph has just been on fire,” Tim said. “Joseph has always looked up to Thomas.”

The show has to go on without Thomas. The Zebras will battle Natomas in their home opener Friday night. Lincoln rallied in more ways than one last week to knock off Woodcreek 28-21 in Roseville.

“It’s hard to take a blow like that, but we couldn’t let down,” senior running back Anthony Esparza said. “We had to do it for Thomas.”

Zebras head coach Ken Lowe could not have been prouder of how his players responded to adversity.

“We had a little chat the day after it happened. We talked about what Thomas would want for us,” he said. “Not one guy on the team didn’t get along with Thomas.”

As the Zebras celebrated after the game, senior Tyler Morgan hoisted Thomas’ No. 42 jersey. Morgan has been a frequent visitor to the hospital. Thomas has quite a few visitors … and fans.

“The nurses love him,” Tim said. “They can’t believe how strong he is. He’s a fighter. He doesn’t give up.”

The fight is just beginning. Thomas cannot speak. He communicates with hand signals and an Etch A Sketch. His vision is improving. His right eye socket was among the several bones broken.

Thomas’ heart is strong, Tim said, and his spirit is intact. All the bandages cannot hide his love of life.

“He has not lost his sense of humor,” Tim joked. “He’s only alive by God’s grace and all the prayers.”

Joe has always admired his brother for being tough enough. Now he has another reason to do so.

Thomas is leading by example again. From his hospital bed, he is teaching his teammates to find strength.