Concussions have come to the forefront of football programs across the country. From headlining as a key issue during this year's NFL lockout to an increase in attention in collegiate programs, Central Nebraska high schools are catching on.

Grand Island Senior High athletic trainer Todd Goshorn has close to two decades worth of experience at GISH. He has administered his fair share of concussion tests and now that he's equipped with the imPACT concussion program, it makes diagnosing the issue easier.

"There are six different parts of the test and each are suppose to look at every part of normal brain activity function," he said.

The test measures an athletes ability to remember patterns and respond to timed quizzes as well as participate in matching games. The base score achieved in the first test is then compared to a score recorded after a head injury.

The second test is only administered after an athlete is no longer experiencing concussion symptoms. If a second score is significantly lower than the base score, it is determined the athlete has not recovered sufficiently enough to return to action.

"[People are] starting to figure out that [concussions are] nothing to mess around with," Goshorn said.

GISH Senior Offensive Linemen Tom Swanson suffered a serious concussion as a Junior. He said the experience was a blur.

"I don't really remember much, only the opening kick off of the game. As time went on, I started to remember a little more."

Coaches and athletic trainers agree if you think you have a concussion, say something. Remove yourself from the game if you can no longer think straight or have difficulty remembering specifics about plays, positions, etc.

Jeff Tomlin is not only tasked with leading the Islanders as Head Coach, but also keeping a watchful eye for players who may be injured.

"I have a great amount of respect for the coaches in our state. They're teaching proper technique."

"Coaches pay attention to that, so I think regardless of when imPACT has come, Nebraska has always taken care of kids," Coach Tomlin said.

Goshorn believes as long as professional and collegiate teams continue to spread the word about concussion and brain injuries, it will have a trickle down effect in high schools.

"We're seeing more and more now players speaking up when they've been lit up."