While performing body work on a car, a fragment of metal fell into his eye while Morgan was drilling a hole. After a minor surgery on game day, he hit the field for the Aug. 21 game at Forbush wearing the doctor-ordered visor. Morgan said the thought of missing the game never crossed his mind, or anyone else’s for that matter.
“I was talking to my mom and she pretty much told me to suck it up and go with it,” Morgan said with a laugh.
The fact that Morgan heeds the advice of his coaches like they were his parents has gotten him rave reviews. The senior captain has played running back, tight end, wide receiver, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and safety so far this season. For a coach like North Surry’s Brian Hampton, who is trying to build a program in his first year, players like Morgan are invaluable for what he provides.
“His job every week changes a little bit,” Hampton said of Morgan. “He adjusts. One thing we know about Nik Morgan is he’s going to give us everything he’s got ... He comes off the field every night totally spent.”
While the effort Morgan provides is expected of most athletes, it can be difficult to provide while playing for an 0-4 team.
“I just don’t have the attitude to just give up and let someone run all over me,” he said. “I fight to the end. I don’t like to give up. I’d rather just give it 120 percent than to let somebody down.”
Playing after an open week and beginning play in a new conference has Morgan ready to get back on the field this week. He said the new teams in the conference will be exciting games, but the one against the defending 1A state champs and next door neighbor may be the best.
“It will be a bragging-rights game,” Morgan said. “That’s one game I’m looking forward to.”
Morgan, who also plays tennis, plans to attend college next year and said he would like to try and walk on at either Eastern Carolina or UNC-Charlotte once that school fields a team in the near future.
Contact Ed Phillipps at ephillipps@mtairynews.com or 719-1921.
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