Desert Ridge running back J.J. Husar suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament on Friday against Mesa and will miss two-to-four weeks, coach Jeremy Hathcock said.

The most likely scenario will be for Husar to return in the state quarterfinals, provided Desert Ridge wins its opening round playoff game. Husar was injured on the second play of the game as he tried to make an open-field cut past a Jackrabbits safety.

He leads the team with 106 carries for 1,068 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hathcock said Husar was on pace to break multiple school single-season rushing records before the injury. Even though it’s a tough blow for a Desert Ridge team that had really started playing well following an early-season loss to Hamilton, Hathcock was pleased the injury wasn’t more severe.

“He just fell down like somebody had shot him,” Hathcock said. “I had seen that before. I thought it was his ACL.”

An injury like that would have been season-ending and could have ended Husar’s playing career. Instead, he has a chance to return in the postseason.

“He should be back,” Hathcock said. “Will he be (as good as he’s been)? Maybe.”

Backup running back Taren Morrison broke his hand last week against Basha and probably won’t return until the first round of the playoffs. With the depth at running back severely tested, quarterback Taren Morrison may move there at times while Brendon Smith takes over under center.

Tarek Morrison ran for 202 yards against Mesa and has 1,035 rushing yards on the year.

Tags: Brendon Smith, JJ Husar, Tarek Morrison, Taren Morrison