Crown Point senior Cole Emanuelson hasn’t been this healthy since he was a freshman.
That has shown in the 6-foot, 270-pound nose tackle’s performance this season.
“I’m just glad we don’t have to go against him in practice because he can wreck your whole offense,” Crown Point coach Craig Buzea said. “He’s that type of guy.”
Emanuelson has 29 tackles, including three for loss, as the Bulldogs (12-0) prepare to play at Westfield (11-1) in a Class 6A semistate on Friday night. Those two teams also met last season, when Crown Point emerged with a 38-31 victory in double overtime to advance to the state final.
Emanuelson, though, did not play in that game after suffering his second significant injury of the season.
The first happened even before the Bulldogs’ traditional season opener against Lowell, although Emanuelson didn’t realize it until a couple of days after that game. He tore the meniscus in his left knee in the week of practice leading up to the matchup. With Crown Point in control, he played only the first half. Days later, an MRI revealed the injury.
Emanuelson delayed surgery until after the season and missed about a month. On the second play of his return, he partially dislocated his right elbow and tore the ulnar collateral ligament. A doctor told him that injury wouldn’t require surgery and would heal on its own, which it has. Emanuelson had physical therapy for two months and has worn a brace.
But he missed virtually all of the 2023 postseason before playing five snaps in the loss to Ben Davis in the state championship game, recording one tackle.
“Him getting hurt and not being able to finish the season, that definitely hurt us,” Buzea said. “He started as a sophomore, and this year he anchors our defensive line in the middle. We have moved him around a little bit when we think there’s a mismatch somewhere along the line.
“But for the most part, he anchors the middle of our defensive line and does an excellent job. He’s usually taking on double teams every play. Most teams won’t even try to single-block him, so they double-team him. He’s had an outstanding career.”
Emanuelson has been diligent about training to have such success.
“He’s a workout warrior,” Buzea said. “He’s in the weight room constantly.”
Still, even as a sophomore, Emanuelson said he suffered from “weak ankles,” which he rolled on a regular basis. But he appreciated the experience.
“Starting sophomore year, that was amazing,” he said. “It was such a rush. I learned a lot, especially from the seniors. They were a big inspiration to me.”
As a senior, Emanuelson has had a similar impact on the Bulldogs.
“Cole is the type of guy to do anything you ask of him, and he will do it with everything he has,” Crown Point senior quarterback Noah Ehrlich said. “He is a beast up front and something that teams have to look out for.
“I’m very proud of the progress he’s made for this program and how he carries himself as well. Most of all, I’m proud to be able to call him my teammate.”
Crown Point junior linebacker/tight end Trevor Gibbs highlighted Emanuelson’s relentless approach.
“Cole is one of the most fearless guys on the team,” Gibbs said. “He’ll go toe-to-toe with anyone you put him against. He will never back down.”
Emanuelson said his fellow linemen help keep his energy and spirits up, praising senior defensive end Josh Miller and junior defensive end Amir Plowden.
“I love my teammates,” Emanuelson said. “They’re such a support for me, especially my defensive line. Josh and Amir, they’re amazing.
“It’s amazing to be in this environment, playing this late in the season. The regular season has just been building to this point. Last year, I didn’t even play, so this time is my first year playing in this game.”
With Crown Point making another deep run, Emanuelson has put his injuries behind him.
“This is the first season I haven’t been injured,” he said. “Everything feels great.”
