Cowee suffers high ankle sprain

Carson High’s Aaron Cowee, who left Friday’s win over McQueen in the second quarter with an ankle injury, will miss Friday’s non-league football game against North Valleys with what has been diagnosed as a high ankle sprain.

Cowee, a 6-foot-4 270-pound senior, was on defense when the injury happened. He appeared to be half turned toward the play, and a player rolled up on his leg.

“He’s our best lineman,” said fullback/defensive tackle Nevin Elliott. “People are going to have to step up and fill his spot.”

“It depends on how quick he heals,” said a disappointed coach Blair Roman when asked how long Cowee will be out. The injury is certainly more serious than originally thought. The original diagnosis was a sprained ankle, but X-rays revealed more damage.

It’s the third key injury for the CHS defense since the season started. Defensive tackle Jesse Medina suffered a knee injury earlier in the year, and his return his unknown. Defensive tackle Cliff Coston missed the McQueen game with an injury, and his status is day-to-day. Elliott and Andy Cooper did a nice job of filling in at defensive tackle last week.

Outside linebacker Austin Shaffer (shoulder) has yet to play this season. Roman is holding out hope that Shaffer will return against either Reed (Sept. 27) or Damonte Ranch (Oct. 4).

Roman said that he will rest Cooper some on offense so that he can play a little more on defense. Skylar Schilling remains in the starting lineup at guard along with tackle Jesse Knight and center Noah Teixeira. Maurilio Oliveras likely will see action at tackle.