Jacob Warren returning to old form in return from injury for Mason football

MASON — Jacob Warren had hopes of contributing as a running back or linebacker this fall for the Mason football team as it chased its goals. 

But those hopes took an early hit when Warren broke his left ankle during a four-way scrimmage in August. 

The break wasn’t severe enough where Warren held out hope he could potentially return to the field this season. 

And that opportunity has come in the MHSAA playoffs. 

Warren has scored touchdowns the last two weeks while helping Mason capture a fifth district title in six years. That included having four carries for 59 yards and a TD in a 49-0 win over Fenton in a Division 3 district final Friday, Nov. 6. 

“I’m really lucky my injury was the best it could have been for the situation,” Warren said. “I’m just so blessed to be able to be back on the field.

“I’m so lucky to have the support system I have around me and the family, friends and coaches that supported me all the 10 weeks I was out.  It’s so awesome to be back on the football field.”

Warren has 10 carries for 110 yards and the two TDs the last two weeks. Mason coach Gary Houghton sensed Warren was getting back to his old form in recent practices and said his presence gives the Bulldogs another threat in the backfield to complement Troy Peters and Jeffrey Reisner, who each rushed for more than 100 yards Friday. 

“He’s just a very dynamic athlete, a very smart football player and he’s patient,” Houghton said. “He’ll let his blocks develop and he’ll accelerate and go. He’s just one of the quickest kids I’ve ever coached and just a really dynamic kid in space.”

Warren was cleared for a return a few weeks ago and is ready to do whatever is needed to help the Bulldogs try to extend their playoff run a few more weeks. The next step on the journey for Mason is a trip next week to Chelsea, which is where Warren suffered his injury.

“I’m stoked,” Warren said. “Obviously it sucked in the scrimmage the week before the first game (to get hurt). I’m just so excited to maybe get a little redemption next week. I can’t wait.”

Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Jacob Warren returning to old form in return from injury for Mason football