A New Jersey student is fighting for his life after suffering a brain hemorrhage during a football game against Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey.

Ryne Dougherty was taken to Hackensack Univesity Medical Center after being critically injured in a game against Don Bosco Prep School.

“This is a tragedy for our community, and we stand behind Ryne and his family,” Montclair Superintendent of Schools Frank Alvarez said on the school's Web site.

According to witnesses, Dougherty tackled another player without any above-the-neck contact before he abruptly collapsed. He stood briefly before collapsing a second time. An ambulance was immediately summoned by coaching staff and he was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center.

"Our athletes' safety is always paramount. We want them to know that although accidents can occur in any game, every precaution will always be taken by our coaching staff and that of our opposing teams," Assistant Principal of Athletics John Porcelli said. "By all accounts, that was certainly the case yesterday. There were no reports of unsafe play or of fair game rules not being observed."

Student Assistance Counselors and psychologists were at the school on Tuesday and would be there again on Wednesday for students and staff members to talk to.