Century High School vs Col. Zadok Magruder High

THE 2024 3A State Champions had their first scrimmage of the 2025 season yesterday against Century High. The Magruder Colonels had a great run last year, ending with a record of 15 wins and 5 losses. The Varsity Baseball team has many great talents that have led the team to success. Despite having many great players and hard-working athletes, there is one person who could not enjoy the same feeling as the rest of his teammates. Last year, Junior Jackson Branch experienced a left tibia injury which led him to be unable to compete with his teammates. Branch was out for 6 weeks, While pitching his first game back, he broke the front of his left tibia and needed surgery. Currently, Branch dislocated his right kneecap first scrimmage back playing first base. Branch has been through a series of injuries and months of physical therapy which did not allow him to be able to play with his teammates. Branch states," When I was sidelined it changed me to be a more mentally stronger person and it was very hard to accept the fact that I couldn't play for the whole year. I was upset and depressed." Branch's family, friends, and teammates were extremely supportive throughout his injuries which led him to believe that everything would get better because of the people who surrounded him with love and reassurance. Long-term injuries aren't easy and they can completely change a person. As well as impacting the confidence of athletes who go through this long process. Branch states," When I first started my physical therapy journey, I was scared I was going to get hurt again. But my physical therapist reassured me that I would be okay and we went very slow to begin with. I slowly gained my confidence back by doing all the exercises especially baseball. When I played my first game 100% in the fall, I was extremely nervous. My first bat back, I got a hit and that's when my confidence began to come back." We will see what the Colonels bring this season and hopefully be able commence the journey in becoming 2 time state champions!! The first official game of the regular season is March 21st, 2025 at 3:45 vs Walter Johnson, so POP OUT AND CHEER ON THE COLONELS!!!!