MORGANTOWN — University High quarterback Logan Holgorsen will miss Friday’s game against Mountain Ridge (Md.) and may be out longer after suffering a high ankle sprain last week against St. Albans.
The recovery time for such an injury could extend four to six weeks, but University coach John Kelley and team trainers are optimistic the son of WVU coach Dana Holgorsen will return sooner.
“He’s definitely out this week, but after that it’ll be week-to-week. His heart and mind are telling him to go, but I have to be cautious,” Kelley said.
“He has to have escapability back there. If he can’t run we can’t play him. He’s working extremely hard and rehabbing. It all depends on how fast that ligament can heal.”
Having thrown for 16 touchdowns and more than 1,400 yards this season, Holgorsen was hit by a St. Albans blitzer on University’s fifth play from scrimmage in what became a 60-6 win.
Sophomore J.T. Brown stepped in and finished 9-of-14 passing for 78 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Brown will fill the starting role during Holgorsen’s absence, Kelley said.
“Obviously our passing game is going to take a set back with Logan as long as he’s out, but our offense is predicated around the pass. We still have the same targets out there,” Kelley said. “I think if the run game can be effective, it can take a lot of pressure off our young quarterback.”
Brown has taken the reins this week in practice and impressed Kelley.
University (3-3) also plans to incorporate receiver Amir Richardson with direct snaps.
“We’re going to have to shorten the package. We’re not going to have the whole playbook. We’re going to limit to probably three or four runs and five or six passes,” Kelley said.
“Brown had a full week of practice and he has a lot more confidence. Some of our leaders are rallying around him and telling him he can get the job done.”
The Hawks, who entered the St. Albans game with just four rushing touchdowns, racked up 260 rushing yards and five scores.
“The offensive line, which was definitely a weak spot experience-wise, is getting better,” said Kelley. “We were playing an inferior opponent, but it did help get our confidence up.”
Last week’s blowout also signaled the return of halfback Logan Raber from an early season injury. He ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
