This isn’t the end to a successful high school career that Batavia’s Josh Kahley envisioned.
The senior defensive back’s last year became a lost year when his doctor delivered the news.
Kahley sustained an injury to the inside and back of his left knee in late summer, shortly before the start of preseason camp. The diagnosis came in as a torn PCL, the posterior cruciate ligament.
It requires season-ending surgery.
“We were having a little practice right before a 7-on-7 and I contested a fade ball in the end zone,” said Kahley, who landed awkwardly. “On the next play, I made a cut on it weird and it just popped.”
The procedure is scheduled Sept. 27. Even though the sting of that diagnosis hurt more than any hit Kahley had delivered or received in his playing career, he knows the deal now.
“I have to accept it,” he said.
Batavia defensive backs coach Billy Colamatteo, however, is still struggling with it.
“I’ve known Josh ever since he was in second grade,” Colamatteo said. “Had his older brother and sister in class and know the family well. This season meant everything to him.
“Our kids, when they go through BYF (Batavia Youth Football) and our middle school tackle program, they dream about their senior season.”
In Kahley’s case, for good reason.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound safety had been teamed up with classmate Chase Osborne, playing alongside each other during their first two years in high school.
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Both were promoted for the playoff run to a Class 7A state runner-up finish after playing the regular season the sophomore team.
Kahley moved to cornerback and saw action in a first-round win due to an injury. He finished an abbreviated rookie varsity season with six tackles and four pass breakups.
“They kept testing him, throwing at him in that title game, and he kept defending them,” Osborne said. “It was pretty awesome.”
Last year was even better as Kahley stayed at cornerback and made 56 solo tackles. He finished with team highs of 14 passes defended and three interceptions, earning all-conference honors.
Osborne, meanwhile, started at safety and was second on the team with a hand in 110 tackles.
The plan was to reunite the duo at safety this season.
“It was a hard decision to make, too, because Josh was our No. 1 corner last year, right?” Colamatto said. “But putting him at safety would have built on all of his skill sets because he’s an incredible tackler, incredible cover guy.”
Despite receiving some recruiting interest, Kahley wasn’t sure playing at the next level was in the cards, especially with his interest in business school, possibly at Tennessee.
“I love football,” he said. “I didn’t know if I was ready. Obviously, college football is a great commitment. I thought I wanted to leave it all out in high school. That’s where my head was at.”
The last few weeks have been especially tough.
“I don’t want to be moping around and showing the team I’m going through stuff,” he said. “Because the fact is, we’ve got an objective, you know? “
Kahley’s continued focus on the team doesn’t surprise Osborne.
“He’s by far the hardest working kid on the team, and he didn’t do that for himself,” Osborne said. “He’s just helping the team. I have a certain respect for him.”
“I’ve been coach Kahley the last three weeks,” Kahley said of his film study with defensive coordinator Matt Holm and helping Colamatteo, who said it’s like having another set of eyes.
Last week, Kahley gave a sheet filled with suggestions and analysis of opponent South Elgin based on extended film study.
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It’s because he’s is the ultimate team player, according to Osborne.
“It’s awesome seeing how he’s able to get these younger guys to buy in,” Colamatteo said. “I tell him, if this is the worst thing that happens in your life … and he goes, ‘My life is gonna be OK.’”