Like many young men, Minooka senior Justin Shepard's thoughts and actions turned to the game of football during the fall. While Shepard is better known for his bowling skills, he couldn't help but getting swept up in a neighborhood football game a couple of months ago.

Little did he realize then that by doing so he was putting the winter bowling season in jeopardy. Shepard fell and hit his head on pavement that day and he had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. He then missed the first month of the boys bowling team before returning recently to the Indians team.

"It's huge to have him back because it sets our lineup up," Minooka coach Derrick Rapsky said.