In spite of ACL injury, Nichols key to Pilots’ title win
Triston Nichols caught two touchdown passes from Brady Drogosh when De La Salle Collegiate defeated Traverse City Central in the 2021 state football finals.
Thoughts of them hooking up in this year’s playoffs dimmed after an MRI revealed Nichols tore the ACL in his left knee during the Pilots’ Week 6 victory over Detroit Catholic Central.
But Nichols, often the go-to receiver for Cincinnati recruit Drogosh, went to work strengthening his hamstring and quad to compensate for the injury, and he was ready to contribute by the time De La Salle opened the playoffs against Grosse Pointe South.
On Friday, he caught a nineyard touchdown pass from Drogosh as the Pilots overwhelmed Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 52-13 in the Division 2 championship game at Ford Field.
“I have the utmost respect for him coming back and playing on that ACL,” said Drogosh, who connected with Nichols five times for 56 yards against the Rangers.