Before Ranger football’s playoff hype, Jordan Arreola was the quarterback for the first three games, until disaster struck against Tulare Union, taken off the field on a stretcher.
By: Fabian Anguiano
The adrenaline of a sport can make an injury not seem so bad, though that is completely wrong.
Jordan Arreola’s, ’26, first initial reaction to his injury wasn’t scared, he says, “At first I didn’t think it was as bad, so I thought I would be back in a few weeks. I went to the hospital the same night and found out I had 2 fractures, one in my shin and the other in my ankle, and that I would most likely be out for the season.”
His teammates and coaches were alongside him the whole way, Arreola says “ They started praying when I was down and wished nothing but the best-case scenario, but were also saddened by my injury, knowing how bad I wanted to win.”
“Watching my teammates make the playoffs while on the sideline made me happy, seeing them win after seeing how hard they have worked this whole year. It also inspired me to try my best to come back and play again.”
An injury not only takes a toll on you physically, but also mentally.
Arreola says, “I’ve worked and trained so hard to become the starting QB and lead this team to a deep playoff run and perhaps a valley championship. But after 3 games it was all ripped away from me, and left me wondering what it could’ve been if I didn’t get hurt.”
“During my injury, I learned that all the time I was playing football and being stressed out and mentally and physically tired wasn’t a burden but a privilege.”
Before Arreola got injured, Coach Curtis Allen says, “It hurts because he was playing the best football of any quarterback, probably in the valley. Making the right reads, understanding the offense, throwing the ball when he’s supposed to throw it, throwing it to the right read, whether it’s one, two or three. You know, it was check downs.”
Coach Allen and offensive coordinator Kenny Jackson were sure Arreola was gonna play college ball since he was playing at such a high level.
Coach Allen’s first reaction to Jordan’s injury was disbelief in hopes that it “wasn’t as bad as it looked.”
“What happens to your quarterback? What happens to a kid like Jordan, who was such a great kid, great competitor, worked his ass off all summer? All seven on seven, in the summer really worked hard. Just makes you appreciate the games a little bit more, make you don’t take any practice, any opportunity to get better for granted.”
An injury can not hold you back from your aspirations, Coach Allen says “If you want to play ball, we’ll get you somewhere to play ball, and just gotta leave that and get back on track. And you know, just be supportive to your teammates. Because that’s really what it is.”
Coach Allen emphasizes that, “It’s always about the team. It’s never about you as an individual. Getting injured is part of football.”
Upheld by faith, Coach Allen advised Arreola by asking him “Do you want to play ball after you get done? Keep the faith that you might, you might be able to return at the end of the year. I think we’re gonna make a long run in the playoffs. Just keep hope alive and you might have to go to a junior college now, JUCO, which is not bad. And if you do, I’ll support you with whatever you want to do.”
Arreola persevered through his injury by simply just showing up. Coach Allen says , “He was there giving advice to the players. Letting them know, man, your last play can be anytime. So, play your hardest, practice hard, prepare and do your best, because you never know when it’s gonna be your last.”
A lot of times, we don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.
“I realized I took a lot of things for granted, and if I could go back and change my mindset, I would. But I believe this is all part of God’s plan of showing me not to take things for granted and be more grateful for what I have.”
Coach Allen ended off by saying, “Jordan is a great competitor. He worked his butt off.”
Fabian Anguiano
Fabian Anguiano '28,is a VERY passionate sportswriter and editor for the Redwood Gigantea. He is entering his third year with the Gigantea, and he likes motivating others and being involved in everything sports related. If you would like to reach him, just email him at [email protected]
Tags: #redwood athletics, Curtis Allen, football, football injuries, gigantea, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, sports, visalia ca
