October 19, 2000

No. 1 Naperville Central suffered its second major casualty of the season when its top defensive player, linebacker Ryan Amberson, was diagnosed with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.

The injury was sustained last Friday night during Central's 31-14 victory over Naperville North. Earlier this season star quarterback Owen Daniels suffered a season-ending knee injury.

"I'm still in a little shock," Amberson said. "I went in [to the MRI] being optimistic but I was prepared for the worst. I guess I'll be a sideline leader for the defense. And Owen will be the offense's sideline leader."

Junior linebacker Mike Lucas will replace Amberson for Friday night's game against Glenbard East. Amberson is scheduled for surgery next month.

"People can say that it's part of the game but it's still a very unfortunate thing to happen," said Amberson's teammate, linebacker Drew Kocsis. "I looked Mike [Lucas] right in the eye and told him to just be Mike Lucas. I told him he couldn't be another Ryan Amberson."

Copyright 2000 The Chicago Tribune