His first year as a high school football player was finally here. This was going to be his year, but it all ended during the Arkansas High game.

Freshman Colin Paslay played center and defensive end for the Freshmen A-Team until he suffered a broken arm and ankle during the team’s game against Arkansas High on Sept. 8. His doctor told him that the recovery time for the ankle would be 6 weeks.

“I don’t know exactly how I hurt it,” Paslay said. “All I know is that 15 percent of the bone in the back of my ankle was basically cut off.”

The injury greatly hinders his ability to do everyday tasks.

“I’ll have a cast on my ankle for three weeks, and then I’ll have a walking boot,” Paslay said. “The hardest thing is that I can’t lift more than 5 pounds with my left arm for another month.”

Paslay has been a critical member of the team.

“My job on offense is to make sure no one gets near my quarterback,” Paslay said. “On defense I try to get to the running back as much as possible. My teammates trust me to always do my job correctly.”

Despite the setbacks this year, Paslay is eagerly awaiting next season.

“I want to go out there and show Arkansas that I can’t be stopped,” Paslay said. “I just want to go out there and show them what I’m made of.”

Even though he is not on the field, Paslay has enjoyed being a part of the team.

“I’ve loved watching the team grow as brothers,” Paslay said. “Seeing their brotherly love and support for me has been great.”

Paslay looks forward to the opportunity to get back on the field.

“I’m just going to go back out there and have fun like I always do,” Paslay said. “I’m ready to get after it.”