HS FOOT: Chaminade back hopes injuries don't get Bess of him

Cory Bess, a top football running back at Chaminade of West Hills, has the worst luck with injuries.

Three years ago, Bess broke his left collarbone. Two years ago, he broke his right collarbone. Last year, he tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligiment in his knee before the season and missed the whole year. And this year, Bess, a senior, has yet to be cleared after undergoing further knee surgery this past summer to remove cartilage.

"We hope to get him cleared Friday so he can play not in this first game against Burbank but in the next game," Chaminade coach Ed Croson said. "He seems fine but the doctor is very conservative."

What's impressed Chaminade kicker Matt Goudis is how Bess continues to remain a team player.

"Cory is one of those kids who has a real passion for the game," Goudis said. "Last year, he came to every single practice even though he never saw the field. I'm sure he'll be really happy when he comes back."

-- Gerry Gittelson