Senior Rayshawn McCall stands off to the sidelines while the Clarke Central High School varsity football team practices on Tue. Aug. 25. McCall has a sprained MCL but continues to help out the team in any way he can. “I try to continue to be a leader,” McCall said. “Right now I have to be a vocal leader, but I try to make sure that I teach the other defensive backs the stuff that I know and I just make sure that I’m there to help them and if they have any questions that I’m there to help them along the way.” Photo by Andrew Caldwell.
By ANDREW CALDWELL – Staff Writer
College recruited senior Rayshawn McCall battles a medial collateral ligament sprain (MCL) on his right knee at the start of the Clarke Central High School varsity football season. McCall is three career interceptions away from breaking the all-time record at CCHS, however, his injury may hold him back.
Senior cornerback Rayshawn McCall has played football for 12 years but is currently on hold watching from the sidelines due to a MCL sprain. Despite his injury, McCall continues to put in the effort in hopes of a quick return.
“I look forward to guarding all the receivers in our region,” McCall said. “I don’t really know who the receivers are, but hopefully I won’t give them a chance to make a name for themselves.”
Although the CCHS varsity football team is down one of their top players, team members are not worried.
“He’s gonna go as hard as he can and do whatever he’s gotta do to make the team better,” junior safety Zay Brown said. “We all work together. He brings energy, and we’re lacking energy right now.”
McCall, having offers from multiple schools, fears his injury will go noticed if he is on the sidelines for the first couple of games. With the current CCHS interception record being 19, and McCall having 16, the pressure is on. However, most of the stress comes from being off the field recovering.
“There’s a little pressure, but it’s not like people are coming at me like you have to do this,” McCall said. “Most of the pressure I’m putting on myself.”
McCall’s injury is common, according to CCHS athletic trainer Ryan Johnson, and focusing on basic rehabilitation, sport specific movements and overall conditioning are key to McCall’s recovery.
“I am always optimistic about an athlete’s recovery, especially with athletes like Rayshawn. He’s a hard-working young man,” Johnson said. “I am excited to see him play again; he has worked hard and understands what is needed of him to return successfully.”
Although the season has begun with McCall on the sidelines, he continues to support the team and refuses to slack off.
“From now on, it’s just game on,” McCall said.
