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DO OR DIE BOWL VIII: THE RETURN OF WILL MEFFORD

Meanwhile...across the river in Monroe City at the West Squad Practices, one of the most impressive weapon's in Tony DeGrave's Defensive Arsenal is a guy whose football career seemingly ended in September.

But unfortunately for his opponents on Friday...the cobwebs have fallen away from Will Mefford with stunning speed.

Here's Ross Green....

<"Its a great feeling, just being able to come back out here with the guys. Last year when I got hurt, I thought that was the end of it. To have one more game, especially playing with kids like this, is great,"

There was a time when Will Mefford thought his football days were over. It wasn't long into his senior year at South Shelby before setback forced him to the sidelines.

"I tore my labrum in the third game of the year, and I was out all of football and basketball. I came back and played baseball all spring and was invited to come here. Its been a lot of therapy getting my shoulder ready to come back to football,"

And throughout all of his training and rehabilitation, his fellow Cardinals helped bring him back to speed.

"They just supported me through my decision and helped me with anything I needed, took care of me, things like that. They never pushed me or pressured me into things and were always there to help me,"

His outlook back in the fall was, understandably, bleak, but Mefford's playing days aren't quite over yet; all of his dedication to get back on the field pays off this week. And for his final game to be in such elite company makes it all the better.

"Its been a great time so far getting out here with this fantastic group of football players and great athletes in general; kids that really know the game of football. Out here playing with them, everybody's just flying around and having a good time,"

Will Mefford has come a long way to get to Flinn Stadium, and he's got one final goal in mind for Friday night.

"There's a lot of pride and everybody wants to win, nobody comes out here wanting to lose. Everybody's wanting to play to win, so that's all we can think about,">