We had planned on doing a feature story on a player from each of the local football teams to kick off the season. In the case of Chaffey College, the profile was to be on running back Jahmel Rover.

It seemed the perfect story. Highly touted kid out of Eisenhower High School. Went to San Jose State but didn’t play because of a paperwork snafu. Had a great freshman year and was again being looked at by Division I schools.

I go out to Chaffey, only to find out he isn’t around. Had to go to the doctor to have his knee looked at because he had tweaked it the day before in practice. But the coaches didn’t seem overly concerned.

I head back out the next day. This time I talk to the young man. We get the pictures. I think we’re good to go.

Then I start writing the story but before I get too far into it something tells me to call the coach just to touch base and see about the extent of the injury. Sure enough, he’s done. out for the season. Scrap that game plan.

I scramble to come up with an alternative which works out – defensive lineman Marcus Austin.

This isn’t the first time that has happened. It happened like three times in one year at a previous paper. But that was a long time ago.

Dan Selway be careful.

Ashton Clarke be very careful!

It isn’t the first time

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