Massaponax (Fredericksburg, VA) is 8-0 so far in the 2013 season and currently sits atop the 5A North rankings. These accomplishments are made all the more impressive when you consider the injuries the Panthers have had to overcome. The most recognizable player to go down as far as Virginia Tech fans are concerned is defensive end/offensive tackle Vinny Mihota , a top recruit who will enroll at Tech in January of 2014. The 6’4″, 250-pound senior has missed every game since suffering a broken bone in his left foot in a September 6 win over Albemarle.

In addition to losing Mihota, senior running back Javonte Latney, who rushed for 1,334 yards his junior season, suffered a torn outer meniscus in his left knee in the preseason. He has been able to play but has obviously been less than 100-percent. And more recently, senior wide receiver/cornerback/return specialist Tony Barnett suffered a sprained knee in a win over Riverbend on October 4.

Panthers head coach Eric Ludden is proud of the resilience his team has shown so far in 2013.

“This is something you never anticipate. We knew a lot of guys were coming back, but this year guys have just kept going down,” Ludden said. “Our reaction to it has been pleasant to see.”

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