I’ve been around a long time but I’ve never seen anything quite like this.
I’m not sure what’s shocked me more, the number of injured athletes in El Dorado’s football program or the, almost, nonchalant attitude of the coaches, who shake their head, shrug and say, “next man up.”
El Dorado has lost, at least, five players to season-ending injuries. That number could be higher depending on whether a couple who are questionable can make it back on the field in time to play.
But, Kameron Buie, Tomas Howell, Anthony Thomas, Jamerious Junior and L.J. Yarbrough are players who will definitely not be back this season. Seven players have undergone surgeries this season.
El Dorado has played four quarterbacks, including Brennan Claypoole, the senior kicker and punter who was supposed to be the “emergency” quarterback in August. Well, the Wildcats’ “emergency” quarterback has completed 24-of-52 passes for 318 yards.
Of course, Claypoole was injured last week so sophomore Wanya Frazier will likely start at quarterback Friday night against Russellville.
In addition to the four signal callers, El Dorado has used six running backs, 10 offensive linemen and seven cornerbacks this season.
“They’re at the point with the injury situation, they don’t even blink on that,” said El Dorado coach Scott Reed.
Well, that was before Thomas, the team’s senior running back, broke his leg last week. The coach admitted, he’s not sure how the team will respond to the latest broken bone.
“You don’t know about that. That guy is very well liked and an integral part of our team. He comes to work every day,” said Reed. “He’s a kid that, all of our kids would admire the way he works and handles himself. He never says anything negative to anyone. He loves to play. He competes really hard.
“Anthony is a loss for us because he’s a really good player but he’s a better person. He’s never in any trouble. He’s fun to be around.”
Reed was emotional when he knelt down on the field beside Thomas last Friday. A week later, the coach still sounds a tad shaken up.
“I just went by to see him earlier today,” Reed said on Wednesday. “I said, ‘Do you remember when the injury happened?’ He says, ‘yeah, I remember everything about it, Coach.’ Their middle linebacker ran off the field yelling, ‘get him some help.’ I said, ‘I got out there pretty quick and you still had the ball.’ He goes, ’we don’t fumble.’ I know he was proud of that.”
It’s been a difficult 4-4 season in El Dorado. The Wildcats have played back-ups at quarterback, running back, receiver, right tackle, center, left guard, left tackle, nose guard, outside linebacker, both cornerbacks, safety, kicker, punter, holder and kickoff man.
When I suggested the injuries would, at least, build depth for next season as a lot of youngsters who didn’t expect to see the field have seen significant playing time, Reed smiled before reminding me about this year’s seniors. El Dorado’s seniors don’t have next year to look toward.
Reed’s only concern at the moment is squeezing every drop of success out of the 2016 season.
“Honestly, you know it’s been tough and all but I’m real hopeful we’re still going to get some guys well eventually,” he said.
“I think we’re going to be better than expected Friday. It’s going to be tough with the losses we’ve had offensively. And, we’re playing a real good team. But, all I care about is our kids continue to compete like they have.”
Tonight is Senior Night at El Dorado. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
