The Homewood football team received good news on injured defensive back John Griffin early this morning.

Griffin’s scans and x-rays were negative and he was released from the hospital, according to a message forwarded from Patriots coach Ben Berguson.

Griffin was injured in the fourth quarter of Friday’s 31-24 win over Athens in the Class 6A playoffs. He was immobilized and carted off the field.

Homewood responded with a 98-yard, game-winning drive.

“Griffin really sparked a light in our whole team,” Homewood quarterback Kaleb Carson said. “We all love him, so we really wanted to win this game for him. … I was determined to get a score on that (last) drive.”

Homewood travels to Fort Payne next week for Round 2.