SIDELINE SCENE: Foundation's Murphy finds new ways to help team following injury

WINTER GARDEN  There was one additional headset on the Foundation Academy sideline during its Homecoming victory on Oct. 9 from the previous week.

Jacob Murphy, a player head coach Brad Lord referred to as his program’s version of Chandler Cox — the star of the Apopka Blue Darters’ state-title team a season ago — has been sidelined for the remainder of his senior season with a torn ACL in his left leg.

The injury was suffered during the Lions’ victory against Cornerstone Charter in their district opener on Oct. 2.

“I got up and felt nothing there — I knew something was not good,” Murphy said of the play on which he was injured.

It is an unfortunate turn of events not only for a team that has now won three consecutive games after starting the season 0-4, but also for a player who has been Lord’s “do-it-all” leader for the past two seasons.

Of course, if you’re expecting that Murphy might be mad at the game — or at the world — you’d be wrong. That’s where his faith comes in.

“I know God has got a plan for me, so I’ll just see what happens and where he’s going to place me,” Murphy said. “I’m not going to be sour toward the game.”

Murphy knows there is still work to be done, even if he can’t do it on the field now. During Friday’s game, he could be seen donning a coach’s headset, giving encouragement to his teammates and helping to work with the quarterbacks who will be taking the snaps now.

“What (the team) might miss most is my leadership, so I’m not going to let them lose that,” Murphy said. “I’m just trying to better my teammates and keep them focused.”

As a new coach of sorts, Murphy can relate to his teammates. And he believes the losing streak the team endured at the season’s onset, although painful, was something that may better them for the future.

As for his future, he is optimistic he can sell himself to a college program.

“I try (to) do it all — anything I’m asked,” Murphy said. “That’s where I’m most valuable to any (colleges) because I really have done it all — safety, receiver, you name it. Everything besides placekicker.”