When Kalup Nunn first hurt his knee last season, in Week 9 against Hale County, he was bummed about missing the remaining game on the schedule.

But then came the prognosis: torn ACL, torn MCL, torn PCL, cracked tibia… and probably the end of Nunn’s football career with one year left at Thorsby.

That Nunn will be a crucial component of Thorsby’s offense, defense and special teams when Class 2A, Region 4 opponent Francis Marion visits Susan Bentley Field at 7 p.m. Friday is a testament to Nunn’s hard work—and is one of the reasons the Rebels are expecting to have their best season in years.

“The doctor said he’s never seen any kid come back from that injury,” Thorsby coach Billy Jackson said. “It’s been just remarkable how he’s recovered.”

Nunn said the three months of daily rehab were not enjoyable, but he kept in mind how much he wanted to play his senior season with his teammates.

Nunn’s recovery turned out to be a team building exercise, with several fellow seniors working out with Nunn and rejoicing when he passed a physical and was cleared to play.

The senior ran for 56 yards on six carries—and recorded a sack on defense–in a 33-6 season opening win over Verbena, and he says he’s faster than he was before the injury.

“It was a rough road, but I just kept at it,” Nunn said. “I couldn’t let my teammates down, so I just stayed at it and worked out as hard as I could.”

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Who will win?

After an impressive, season opening, 33-6 win over Verbena, Thorsby has as confident a football team as it has had in years. Francis Marion won’t be able to slow down theh Rebels this week. Pick: Thorsby Picks record: 3-2

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Also Friday night

Isabella (1-0) at  Billingsley (0-1)
If you saw Isabella rack up 415 yards of total offense last week against Class 4A Central-Coosa, you’re a believer in coach Scott Booth’s Notre Dame Box offense.
Pick: Isabella

Chilton Co. (1-0) at Demopolis (0-1)
Chilton County has momentum after a season opening win over Jemison, but look for defending Class 5A state champion Demopolis to be ornery after a Week 1 loss to Briarwood.
Pick: Demopolis

Dallas Co. (1-0) at Jemison (0-1)
Jemison lost a heartbreaker last week, but more important will be whether the Panthers can dust themselves off and win their first region game of the season.
Pick: Jemison

Maplesville (1-0) at Keith (1-0)
Maplesville will play its second straight tough road game to begin the season. If the Red Devils come out hitting on all cylinders like last week, they’ll roll again.
Pick: Maplesville

Wadley (0-1) at Verbena (0-1)
These teams played to a 3-0 Wadley decision last season. Both teams have taken a step back this year, but this game might be a classic, too.
Pick: Wadley