SOMERSET, Ky. (WKYT) - Hearts were heavy at Somerset High School Friday one day after Jacobi Gilmore and Will Hinton survived what many believe could have been much worse.

“It’s a good mood. Obviously much better than it was last night,” said Somerset HS Principal Wes Cornett.

Both student-athletes are improving. The car that they were in collided with a tractor trailer Thursday as the teens were leaving football practice. Both were taken to UK hospital and were initially listed in serious condition.

“Jacobi is breathing on his own. Will is doing better as well,” said Cornett.

On Friday night the Somerset Briar Jumpers have a very important district ballgame at Danville. That game will go on although some admit they had mixed feelings about playing without their teammates.

Yet the accident has been the source of some motivation.

“We need to do it for them and not for us. And we’ll play like a family.This will bring us closer together and it will be good,” said teammate Bryson Jones.

And it’s clearly a difficult time for Coach Robbie Lucas who spent much of Friday at UK Hospitall, and now must focus on what has traditionally been the biggest game of the season.

“I know how he teaches things. I sent him a text after a loss, (telling them) that you handle adversity better than any coach I know,” said Cornett.

Knowing that many times the best life lessons can’t be taught in the classroom..or on the football field.