"When Loyola High defensive lineman Andrew Hilton broke his fibula and suffered ligament damage to his ankle during the opening week of football practice last August, things looked bleak. "He was really down initially," coach Drew Casani said. "He had put in such a great offseason," He underwent surgery and the prognosis was he'd be sidelined eight to 10 weeks, which probably meant missing his senior season."
"The 6-foot-1, 286-pound tackle with all A's on his report card decided to do everything he could to return early with physical therapy and staying in shape. He became almost an assistant coach, putting on headphones during games to help teammates. "The kid was so diligent and persistent in his rehab," Casani said. "He was so fired up," Casani said."
"Then came the stunning scene two weeks ago - Hilton played in Loyola's regular-season finale against Sierra Canyon. Last week in a Southern Section Division 5 playoff game, he played on offense and defense, recovering a fumble and helping the Cubs defeat Newbury Park 17-14. Next up is a playoff game against Bonita. If Loyola keeps winning, Hilton could get back half of his season."
Andrew Hilton, Loyola High defensive lineman, broke his fibula and suffered ligament damage during the opening week of practice last August. He underwent surgery with an eight-to-ten-week prognosis that likely would sideline him for his senior season. Hilton pursued aggressive rehab, staying in shape, attending games in a support role, and acting almost as an assistant coach. Two weeks ago he returned to play in the regular-season finale and then in a Southern Section Division 5 playoff game, playing both offense and defense, recovering a fumble, and helping defeat Newbury Park 17-14. Loyola could play up to five more games, offering Hilton a chance to reclaim part of his season.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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