Making up for lost time
Duxbury’s DeMeritt bounces back from injury in big way
DUXBURY — High school football players always look forward to their senior season on the gridiron. When you miss most of your junior season, however, it takes on much more meaning.
Devin DeMeritt lost nearly all of last season to a torn ACL in his left knee and watched as the Green Dragons soldiered on without him. The injury motivated the running back to come back stronger than before, and he has sure made up for lost time this season, returning as an impactful offensive piece for top-ranked Duxbury.
“It was horrible watching from the sideline, coming to practice every day not being able to be out there with the guys,” DeMeritt said. “It made me want to work so much harder just to get back out there this year.”
After a strong sophomore campaign, DeMeritt’s junior season had the looks of a breakout year. But suffering his seasonending injury in Week 3 limited DeMeritt to just 17 carries in 2015.
“I was just really shocked,” DeMeritt said. “It wasn’t what we were expecting at all. I was kind of defeated at that moment, but thankfully it wasn’t my senior season.”
With his junior season gone, DeMeritt turned all of his focus toward getting back on the field. It wasn’t an easy process, though. Rehabilitation of his left knee lasted 8-10 months and included physical therapy three times a week as well as extra work with the strength and conditioning coach.
DeMeritt dedicated himself to the weight room, adding close to 20 pounds to his 6-foot-1 frame to deal with the pounding running backs endure. DeMeritt’s perseverance paid off immediately as Duxbury kicked off its season on the road against Bridgewater-Raynham.
If there were any questions whether he would return to form, he put those to rest quickly. DeMeritt carried the ball 13 times for 86 yards and three touchdowns to lift Duxbury to a 42-21 win over the Trojans.
“If he gets to the second level, he has always been able to put it in the end zone,” said coach Dave Maimaron. “To have a breakaway back like that is just such a weapon to have.”
DeMeritt was just getting warmed up. For his follow-up act, he put on an even grander performance in a 49-13 win over Barnstable. He accounted for five touchdowns, rushing for 166 yards and two scores while also catching three passes for 76 yards and three more touchdowns.
“That was crazy,” DeMeritt said. “Definitely my best performance of my high school career. I’ve never scored that many touchdowns before.”
He continued his explosive start last week against Whitman-Hanson by picking up 91 yards, rushing for a touchdown and catching one. His 10 touchdowns have Duxbury’s dynamic offense soaring to new levels with an average of 46.7 points per game. He’s not taking any of this for granted.
“Ever since (the injury) happened, I play every play like it’s my last play,” DeMeritt said. “I’m just thankful that I can go out there and take every moment in, especially since it’s senior year. You don’t get another year.”