Incredible Resilience

Sophomore Blaine Wertz comes back stronger after injury

Stepping out under the lights, onto the perfect green turf for the first time in weeks, Blaine Wertz knew it was comeback time. His cleats digging in and out of the turf as he makes cuts is something he is used to as a running back. He had been practicing, recovering, and stretching for his inevitable return to Friday night football.

“I feel like it kind of gave me a chip on my shoulder,” Wertz said. “It gave me the chance to show and to prove to everyone what I can really do on the field.”

After missing 4 weeks with a high ankle sprain, Wertz was anxious to get back on the field. His first night back was at home against Westfield, a career game for Wertz. The Royals came into this game as an underdog, but Wertz took it upon himself to make sure they came out with a victory. He finished the night with 226 yards rushing and two touchdowns as the Royals shocked the Shamrocks 34-10.

“[The Westfield game] boosted my confidence a lot and it makes me feel like I can run against any team,” Wertz said. “My mindset for the rest of the season is to win the rest of the games, and the ultimate goal is to win state.”

While being the starting running back as a sophomore may seem impressive, coming off an injury, putting up strong numbers in his first game back makes it interesting. Teammate senior Nijawon Wilson who is also a running back for the Royals, loves the intensity he brings to the field.

“Wertz’s return has made the team more of a threat because we have a sold running game,” Wilson said. “Plus, with our wide receivers he makes us more versatile of a team.”

As the Royals are now 4-3, continuing a three-game winning streak, they hope to win the final couple of games behind Wertz’s exceptional leadership. Wertz, as a sophomore, looks to keep the intensity up and stay injury free going into the rest of his high school football career. Story by Lee Cook.