Back injuries behind him, Robert Koch becomes key piece for Central Catholic

LAFAYETTE - Robert Koch had a smile on his face.

The Central Catholic senior receiver just caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown in a victory over Benton Central.

Had Koch not been utilized in the Knights' passing game at all, his smile would've been just as big.

Simply because he's playing football.

"There were definitely some moments where I felt like I wanted to quit, but those guys right there, they are why I am here," Koch said while pointing at his teammates as they posed for a postgame photo at Mallory Field.

Koch has a genetic condition known as spondylolisthesis, which, according to Arlington Orthopedic Specialists, causes individuals to have thin vertebral bones, which can easily slip.

As a sophomore, Koch had two fractures in his back. He returned as a junior, but after not properly rehabbing his injury, he reaggravated it. He spent more time in a back brace than shoulder pads last season.

"You've got to be mentally tough more than most people," CC senior quarterback Ben Mazur said. "It is tough to sit on the sideline and go watch your boys go play football."

Even after the initial discomfort, Koch always envisioned a return to the football field.

"It was so heartbreaking to be told I can’t play," Koch said. "This is my main thing. This is what I love to do. Coming back junior year and having the exact same thing happen is even more heartbreaking."

Entering his senior season, Koch's career stats: 1 catch, 7 yards.

His senior season stats through eight games: 15 catches, 226 yards, 3 touchdowns.

"We always knew it was in him, but it was setback after setback after setback," CC coach Brian Nay said. "For him to continue to show up and do what he does, he did a lot in the offseason to get ready for one last go-around. He is starting to take off. The more viable we are at every skill position, it goes back to being more dynamic, the harder we are going to be to defend."

Koch's four catches and 61 receiving yards last week were career highs.

But it wasn't surprising to those around him.

"He is crazy fast," senior running back Baylor Smith said. "I knew it was coming. I know he had a nice game against West Side (2 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD on Sept. 9), but there was a long stretch where he needed this one."

Nay said don't be surprised if numbers like last Friday become a trend, especially as defenses key on on Smith out of the backfield or fellow receivers Evan Dienhart and Owen Munn.

Hearing that, especially when Koch once just wanted to hear a doctor tell him he could play football again, means everything.

"It is huge for me," Kock said. "I am just glad to be out here and having fun with these guys. That means a lot. It shows the coaches trust me and still think I can be that guy."

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.

Central Catholic (6-2) at Hamilton Heights (6-2)

Time: 7 p.m.

Sagarin ratings: Central Catholic 62.22, Hamilton Heights 61.1

Series history: Hamilton Heights won the only meeting 37-24 in 2017.

About Central Catholic: The Knights average 36.9 points and allow 21 per game. ... Central Catholic is ranked sixth in the Class 2A coaches poll and seventh in the Associated Press poll. ... The Knights have not won seven regular season games since going 12-1 in 2016. ... Stat leaders - Passing: Bobby Metzger (100-167, 1,226 yards, 18 TD, 8 INT), Ben Mazur (32-46, 391 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT). ... Rushing: Baylor Smith (169 car., 1,120 yards, 12 TD). ... Receiving: Evan Dienhart (57 rec., 624 yards, 9 TD), Owen Munn (25 rec., 490 yards, 9 TD). ... Tackles: Aiden Sattler (77), Isaac Buche (50). ... Sacks: Aiden Schaefer (4), Buche (3). ... Interceptions: Brinn Robbins (3), Nick Page (2), Munn (2). ... Kicking: Thomas Henry (35-36 PAT, 3-3 FG, long of 28).

About Hamilton Heights: The Huskies average 30.4 points and allow 12.9. ... Hamilton Heights has allowed more than 20 points just once this season. ... The Huskies are trying to win seven regular season games for the first time since going 9-3 in 2014. ... Stat leaders - Passing: Bodie Derrer (93-153, 1,398 yards, 17 TD, 1 INT). ... Rushing: Trey Ehman (117 car., 671 yards, 8 TD). ... Receiving: Tyler Champion (34 rec., 603 yards, 10 TD), Cooper Vondersaar (19 rec., 264 yards, 3 TD). ... Tackles: Vincent Harley (63) Eric Balcom (57). ... Sacks: Michael Cain (3). ... Interceptions: Jaylyn Pugh (3), Harley (3). ... Kicking: Teigan Scoles (31-33 PAT).

Coach Nay's take: "Hamilton Heights will be our greatest test in the second half of the regular season. We will definitely see how far we've come as a team since the West Side week. They have playmakers all over the field and play an aggressive style of football in all facets of the game. They have a solid fan base and great game-day atmosphere. We need to be ready to play the second we step off the bus."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: IHSAA football: Central Catholic receiver Koch overcomes back injuries