Football -- California High School Hit Hard By Death Of Popular Junior Player

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. - A Fountain Valley High School football player died Monday after collapsing on the school's athletic field during an afternoon practice, school officials said.

Steven "Scotty" Lang, 16, a lineman, was pronounced dead at Orange Coast Medical Center at 3:45 p.m., after paramedics and coaches were unable to revive him on the field, the Orange County coroner's office reported.

"It came as quite a shock," said Fred Young, president of the school booster club. "The kids have taken it very hard. They all grew up playing together."

Lang was a starter for the Barons, who were preparing for a first-round game against Long Beach Poly in the CIF Southern Section Division I playoffs. The game is scheduled for Friday night.

Lang, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound junior, fell to the ground about 2:30 p.m. during a running drill, Young said.

"We saw Scotty drop, but thought he was just fooling around," said sophomore Jeff Ault. He said teammates knew their friend was in trouble when they saw trainers and coaches gathered around him.

"We just sat down and started praying," he said.

A pastor walked onto the field later and broke the news of the death to the team.

"He told us it's OK for us to cry," Ault said.

A crisis team was to meet with students who want to talk, Ault said. Athletic Director Mike Henigan said faculty members were called Monday about the death.

Lang, a popular student with a big smile, was remembered for his good nature and sense of humor.

"He was just a big lovable guy, always joking, always happy-go-lucky," said Ray Lopez, a team photographer and close family friend. "I've never seen him not smile."

Lang hoped to play college football, friend Kim Hoke said. Last summer, he visited Brigham Young University.

George Berg, former Fountain Valley High football coach, said Lang stood out as a fine young man living life to the fullest.

"He was one of those kids you just liked to be around," said Berg, his voice breaking. He resigned as coach at the end of last year.

One fond memory of Lang, Berg said, was watching him sing with the school's chorale group at homecoming.

"He was singing the national anthem, smiling and looking as proud as can be," Berg said. "I could hear his voice above all the others."