Just three plays into Saint Francis’ opening drive in its NAIA Football Championship Series opener at Southwestern last season, Josh Kulka saw his season end. Scrambling for a first down, two defenders ultimately tracked him down. The awkward collision tore his ACL, prematurely ending his day, and ultimately, USF’s season.

“I felt the pop in my knee right when it happened,” Kulka said. “I was like, ‘Oh gosh, please tell me that’s not the game.’ You dream of it since you’re a little kid, playing in the playoffs and playing for championships. I was just trying to get up, but there was just no way.”

The football gods may not always offer the chance at redemption, but with another year of eligibility, Kulka rehabilitated through the offseason, working his way back to lead the Cougars to a 9-

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