PHS football player Noah Walton makes a strong recovery from an achilles injury from last season to this season.
Noah was out 3 weeks last season, but he has yet to let impact him with a total of 871 yards, 89 carries, and 14 touchdowns so far this season. Noah also had a strong game this past week with 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Central.
Coach Casey said that Noah is one of those guys that’s going to make an impact no matter what. Noah has always been an athlete, but now that he is a senior, he’s going to stand out. Coach Casey said that when Noah is healthy he thinks that he is one of the best running backs in Southeast Missouri.
One of Coach Casey’s main focuses over the summer was to make sure that Noah was healthy. They took the precautions needed with stretching and trying to work the muscles to keep him healthy. Noah shows leadership by leading by example on the field and always working hard.
Coach Casey said, “It’s not like Noah is above or below anyone, when you have guys that are pretty talented like Noah and have a lot better stats. They can tend to get a big head, but Noah is very down to earth. He understands that if the line didn’t do their job that he couldn’t put up the numbers he wants.”
Coach Wyrick said that Noah always continued showing up and was always in good spirits during his injury. He said that a lot of guys tend to not have good attitudes or they get jealous when they are injured but Noah was never like that. Noah always wanted good things to happen and for the team to win.
Coach Wyrick said that this season Noah looks a lot more confident in himself. He also said he looks more confident running the ball and looks stronger. Coach Wyrick said that overall he just looks comfortable playing football.
Coach Wyrick said, “ Noah is one of the most genuine and kind kids he’s ever been around. He is also very respectful, patient, and selfless and that’s what makes Noah a very special human being.”
Noah said he got an achilles injury that sidelined him for about three weeks. This was not Noah’s ideal situation and it did impact the team in a negative way.
Noah said, “I am now trying to get to the point of emphasis where I stretch before every game, practice or any time before we lift, just making sure to take care of my body more than I have the last few years.”
Noah’s goal is to finish out the season as strong as he can. He hopes to finish out his senior year stronger than ever.
