The freshman football team lost its most recent game to Columbus North 14-22. Dane Burton and Noah Shaw both had rushing touchdowns and Matthew Stevens led the team with 13 tackles, a half a sack, and a forced fumble. Even though they are struggling with multiple injuries this season, they are persistent and determined to finish the year strong.

The team has had many injuries, whether for only a couple of days or season-ending ones like what happened to Caleb Maurer in week two. Maurer was running a route into the end zone when the quarterback threw him the ball. Just as he was about to catch it, the safety from Franklin Central fell on him spraining his right AC joint in his shoulder ending his season earlier than expected. 

Another injury that wasn’t as severe was Charlie Neu, who broke his hand trying to make a tackle against Franklin Central.

“I knew something was off as soon as I felt my hand compress against the opponent’s body,” Neu said.

The team captains for this year’s team are Dane Burton, Jonah Roell, Charlie Neu, and Keegan Shaffer. Burton is the starting quarterback with Shaffer behind him at running back. Neu and Roell start on the other side of the line at defensive end and linebacker.

This year, the Royals are 2-2 as of September 16th. They started the year strong beating Southport 35-0 then losing to Franklin Central, and after beating Chatard and losing their most recent game to Columbus North. They have grown throughout the season both in their skill, and their personalities and how much they care about each other.

“My favorite part of the season has been bonding with my teammates and achieving that team chemistry we’ve talked about ever since workouts started in the spring,” Burton said.