Editor’s Note: The Dispatch continues its annual look at some of the area’s top players. These features will run daily through the start of the prep football regular season Aug. 17 and 18.
WEST POINT — There were times when West Point High School senior Chris Calvert thought his football career was over.
Diagnosed with the concussion-like symptoms after West Point’s third game last season, Calvert found the road back to playing time to be longer and more challenging than first thought.
“I was so down,” Calvert said. “There were times I thought I would never play again. You do the right things to get back on the field and the doctors keep telling you to wait a little longer. You are not sure how much that longer is going to go on.
“I really can’t put into words what it is like to not be playing the game. I have always been out there part of the action. It hurt to not be involved.”
With West Point boasting one of the state’s top prospects in Mississippi State commitment Marcus Murphy, it wasn’t like Calvert being sidelined was going to derail West Point’s season. Instead, the 1-2 punch came down to more Murphy and a handful of others.
“My teammates were the only ones that kept me going,” Calvert said. “When you see them come to the sidelines in practice or in a game and tell you, ‘Hey, we need you,’ that makes you feel good. When I was at my lowest point, the other guys had my back. They did everything to encourage me that it would work out in the end.”
Things worked out for the 5-foot-10, 183-pound Calvert and West Point.
Calvert returned to the practice field at the start of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A playoffs. His return to game action came in the second round against
Oxford.
“His smile said it all,” Murphy said. “We missed him so much. Chris always has that positive energy. He believes every play is going to work. He has that kind of attitude that gives everybody around him confidence.”
In a 41-0 victory against Oxford, Calvert had nine carries for 122 yards and three touchdowns. He gained 266 of his 368 yards in the final three games, and had four of his five touchdowns.
The season ended with a 29-8 victory against Laurel in the State championship game.
“The Oxford win was special because they had been the one keeping us from winning championships,” Calvert said. “Even though I didn’t play, the Oxford win in the regular season is what changed everything around for us. After we won that game, we knew we could win a state championship.
“In the playoff win, that game was fun because of the touchdowns. I couldn’t believe the coaches kept calling my number. I knew they believed in me. It felt great to be out there and helping the team win again.”
While Murphy has been the focal point of the offense each of the past two seasons, it takes more than one player to win a championship. Coach Chris Chambless understands the importance of Calvert and appreciates his patience.
“Chris has been a reliable player for us for a long time,” Chambless said. “There is nothing harder than sitting when you appear to be fine. We like to run the football out here and we really needed him. As far as this year goes, he has been healthy, happy, and ready to go. That is a really good thing.”
West Point plans to use Murphy at quarterback more this season. A starter at that position his sophomore year, Murphy gave way to senior Clayton Knight last year. This season, Chambless plans to use Murphy and junior Jake Chambless behind center.
While Murphy will call his number frequently, the opportunities for Calvert should be plentiful.
“Last year, we found our stride on offense,” Calvert said. “We have just about everybody back. There is no reason why we can’t keep running the ball with authority and win another championship.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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