Brady Rolen knew the situation all too well.

Less than a year ago he witnessed his teammate, Dylan Harle, experience a similar injury. Harle would be sidelined the latter half of the season before returning and Rolen was forced into the starting quarterback role.

It’s an experience he values as he will now be asked to provide support to a new quarterback – that is until he makes his return following his own injury.

Bathed in the sweltering Texas afternoon heat at Sky Ranch, a Christian camp located near Van where Rolen was working as a counselor, a friendly pickup game of basketball would result in a spiral fracture to Rolen’s right fibula.

With only two months before the start of fall camp, Rolen knew he would miss time going into his senior year as the starting quarterback for the Alba-Golden football team but his faith in God has proven to be an invaluable healing asset.

“It really disappointed me but I realized God does have a plan,” said Rolen. “If his plan has me leading from the sideline the first half of the season, I got to be diligent to follow his plan.”

It’s a tough plan rebounding from an injury that inhibits mobility but Rolen is thankful for the support of his family, coaches and teammates.

“They’ve (teammates) been real encouraging,” he said. “But I wanted to encourage them to get behind our young quarterback Zane Smith.”

But Rolen is also thankful for the small blessings. He appreciates the opportunity to upgrade his Xbox skills while lying in bed between upper body workouts, playbook studies and completing summer courses through Tyler Junior College and Trinity Valley Community College.

Rolen starts rehab this week and looks to be cleared by the second or third game. Alba-Golden Head Coach Ron Callahan, however, is erring on the safe side and plans to unleash Rolen later this season rather than risk another injury by coming back sooner than later.

“He’s a great kid,” said Callahan. “I have no doubt his faith and perseverance has helped him a great deal with this injury.”