BY STANLEY BINGHAM

In the midst of an undefeated season, wide receiver Carson Risher was hurt in a game against North Royalton. The play proved to be fatal as he sustained multiple injuries and had long-term effects. This cost him the rest of his first and last high school football season.

The plethora of injuries included three broken bones in his ankle, a broken fibula, and torn ligaments. He caught a screen pass on the specific play and was looking to gain more yards; after which he was then brought down by a defender.

“He had a hold of my leg and when I went to roll over my leg did not roll all the way over me and it broke,” said Risher, 12.

Two options were given to him after the examination. Surgery could be performed and the leg would fully heal over a longer period of time, or he could use a boot on the afflicted area for the next several weeks. The latter option would take less time than the first, but chances were high that the injuries would not heal if he went down this route. Risher eventually decided to get surgery.

“The doctor said I should be ready to go in about 12 weeks after the procedure,” the wide receiver remarked.

With this in mind, he has not allowed the setback to dampen his mood and is receiving continued support from his team, friends, and family.

“It just motivates me to work as hard as possible to be better than before,” Risher said. “I still hope to participate in athletics in college.”

As for now, Coach Justin Todd is very confident in how his first year player will fare as he works through this,

“I have no doubt Carson will fully recover from this injury and come back stronger than ever,” the head coach expressed. “I’ve met few young men with the work ethic and drive he has. This will be a minor setback for a major comeback and I look forward to watching him compete in hoops this season.”

Risher also plays basketball, as mentioned by Coach Todd. After he recovers, he is looking forward to returning to basketball this coming season. For now, however, he will cheer from the sidelines as the football team continues its incredible season.