Tommy Stephens

It’s a run quarterback Tommy Stephens had made countless times before. Take the snap, drop back to pass, read the defense and if the opportunity presents itself — run.

Poised for a big season, the King City quarterback saw a seam open up and accelerated downfield before cutting to his right to avoid a defender.

"He made the right read,’’ King City coach Mac Villanueva said. "He was 8 yards downfield and went to cut with his left leg to avoid the defender.’’

What happened next changed the course of the Mustangs’ season. Stephens’ knee buckled when the senior planted his left leg, crumbling to the ground without contact, leaving him numb.

"Five minutes into my senior year and my season is over on my first carry in a jamboree,’’ Stephens said.

Stephens, who felt a pop when his knee gave out, knew the symptoms of a potential season-ending knee injury.

"It happened to two of my older brothers,’’ Stephens said. "The first thing that went through my mind was it’s the ‘Stephens’ curse.’’

While doctors have told Stephens the injury is not hereditary, he couldn’t help but think it was.

"All three of us blew out our knees,’’ said Stephens, whose two older brothers were also quarterbacks for the Mustangs.

An MRI a week later revealed the reality. Stephens has a torn MCL and ACL, the same injury that both his brothers suffered while at King City.

"Injuries are a part of the game,’’ Stephens said. "You just don’t expect it to be a move I’ve probably made a thousand times. No one even touched me.’’

For King City it’s a double loss as Stephens also started on defense, intercepting six passes last year for the Mustangs, while returning a fumble for a touchdown.

"What went through my mind is we just lost the best football player in the county,’’ Villanueva said. "No one takes into account what he does on defense as well. He was making our defensive reads.’’

Still, offense is where his absence stings. Arguably the top returning quarterback in the county, the 5-foot-11 Stephens threw for nearly 1,900 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.

His mobility enabled him to rush for nearly 400 yards and lead the Mustangs in rushing touchdowns last season with seven.

"Sure, I’m disappointed,’’ Stephens said. "I worked so hard over the summer. I had high expectations. But it doesn’t do any good to sulk over it.’’

Surgery in October will repair the knee. Perhaps even make it stronger. But it likely won’t be enough time for him to return to the baseball field in the spring.

"I’m told six months,’’ said Stephens, who started last spring in center field. "That would put me into March. We’ll see. I’d still like to play football in college next year.’’

For now, Stephens continues to show up to practice each day, working with his replacement Luis Luna, contributing any way he can.

"At this point, I’m trying to stay positive and help the team from the sidelines,’’ Stephens said. "Give the quarterback guidance. I’ll help where coach feels he needs me.’’

Once informed that the injury was season ending, Stephens asked his teammates for one thing.

"I told them to rally behind me,’’ Stephens said. "League is still out there.’’

While King City is off to an 0-2 start, it hasn’t lost its confidence or belief that it can contend for a Mission Trail Athletic League title.

Both of its losses were to Gabilan Division opponents on the road.

"We won’t face anybody better,’’ said Villanueva, whose squad will host Gonzales on Friday in the oldest rivalry game in Monterey County.

King City actually played evenly with Monte Vista after spotting them 17 first-half points and held a 13-2 lead over Seaside before a series of mistakes crippled them.

"I told the team that we’re still a damn good football team and that my expectations haven’t changed,’’ Villanueva said. "Luis knows the offense. He was a starting receiver.’’

He has also been Stephens’ backup since both came in together as freshman.

"Luis hasn’t had many opportunities,’’ Villanueva said. "He’s getting better each week with his reads. Tommy is a big part of that. He’s like an extra coach.’’