Newsome’s Powers won’t return this season

Posted Oct 24, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Oct 24, 2009 at 11:08 AM

If Newsome’s football team is going to make a run at a second consecutive trip to the state playoffs, the Wolves are going to have to do so without the services of Conner Powers.

Newsome’s standout junior fullback won’t return this season because of a knee injury suffered during an Oct. 16 win over Leto, his father, Scott Powers, said Saturday.

Conner Powers was injured while being tackled during the first half of the Wolves’ victory over Leto. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday and the results were examined by a specialist on Friday. Scott Powers said his son was diagnosed with a Grade II tear of the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Doctors recommended he not return to the field this season.

“All in all, he’s fine. He’s good with it,” Scott Powers said. “He’s handling it really well. Basically we know he’s going to be fine for next year.”

Powers entered this season with more than 2,000 career rushing yards to his credit. He ranked among Hillsborough County’s leading rushers with 616 rushing yards and eight touchdowns prior to being injured. He sat out Newsome’s victory Friday over Bloomingdale.

Scott Powers said his son will begin rehab next week. After a one-month period, doctors will again evaluate Powers’ knee and decide if surgery is necessary. If Powers must undergo surgery, he would be out for six months. If he responds well to the rehab, Scott Powers said his son could end up playing this spring for the Wolves’ baseball team.

Newsome, which has won fourth consecutive games, has key district games against Riverview and Durant the next two weeks.