Champ Monds injury update, Vero Beach star QB exits playoff victory
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Vero Beach star quarterback Champ Monds suffered an injury in the second quarter and did not return to the Fighting Indians’ second-round playoff win over Lake Nona on Friday, Nov. 21 at the Citrus Bowl.
Monds, the nation’s No. 1 quarterback prospect in the Class of 2028, appeared to be injured on his second carry of the game, a 6-yard gain, in the second quarter, according to TC Palm’s Dennis Maffezzoli.
The sophomore quarterback was seen on the sideline wearing a sling and with ice on his left shoulder after the game.
Florida State commit Efrem White stepped in effectively at quarterback and led Vero Beach to a 56-14 win over Lake Nona.
Champ Monds injury update
Vero Beach (12-0) will face Orlando Dr. Phillips (9-3) in the Region 3-7A championship game on Friday, Nov. 28 at the Citrus Bowl.
Head coach Lenny Jankowski said he expects to have Monds back healthy for critical playoff matchup.
“Champ was having a heck of a game,” Jankowski said. “I’m pretty sure we’ll get Champ back next week.”
Monds was 3-for-3 for 97 yards and a touchdown prior to the injury.
Efrem White steps up after Champ Monds injury
There are few teams in Florida with as much comfort in their backup quarterback situation as Vero Beach.
Monds injured his ankle in the second quarter of the Fighting Indians’ regular season opener and did not return for the rest of the regular season.
White, a wide receiver and defensive back by trade, stepped in at quarterback and proved to be a sensation.
The dual-threat quarterback threw for 1,898 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while rushing for 782 yards and 16 touchdowns to lead Vero Beach to an undefeated regular season.
Monds made his long-awaited return at quarterback last week in Vero Beach’s 57-10 win over East Ridge in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs.
Dennis Maffezzoli contributed to this report.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for Treasure Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Champ Monds injury, Vero Beach star QB exits playoff win vs. Lake Nona
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