VALHALLA - Justin Koehler remembers that moment vividly, smiling to himself while watching Luke Foisset trudge for additional yardage while literally dragging three defenders. Even a referee marveled, then quipped, "They didn't have to buy a ticket for that ride."
Sure, it was a playoff game. But what most impressed Koehler about the sequence is that it occurred in the fourth quarter of a game Valhalla won handily.
"And it was around the 40-yard line!" the senior said, still seemingly in disbelief a year later. "It was in the middle of the field, so it's not as if he was putting out that effort to get a touchdown. He did it because that's just who Luke is."
Perhaps most impressive was that, by then, teammates had almost forgotten that Foisset was playing with a broken leg.
The superstar suffered a proximal fibula fracture, along with sprains to two knee ligaments, during their 2024 season opener. He missed a game, coach Dan DeMatteo said, and then the running back insisted one was enough.
"It hurt a lot," Foisset acknowledged, "but I couldn't not be out there for my guys. I knew that I'd either be in physical pain or mental pain, and I'd rather deal with the physical. I told myself that if I could walk on it, I could play."
There was treatment throughout the week. On game days it was heavy tape, Ibuprofen and an obstinate refusal to allow even a likely season-ending injury to break his stride. Even harder to fathom was him running for 1,734 yards and 24 touchdowns on that compromised left leg, earning first-team all-state honors. He even set what at the time was a Section 1 record with 414 rushing yards in a game.
So, the fact that Foisset is having another outstanding season while pushing through a knee bruise doesn't surprise anyone involved with the football program. In fact, this one by comparison barely registers on the Foisset Fortitude scale.
"He's unbelievable," DeMatteo said, in awe despite routinely being witness to the collection of incredible feats, including him leading them to a Section 1 championship as a sophomore. "He's tough as nails, and he's the heart and soul of our team. He's a great leader, he's unselfish, he's a force multiplier. There aren't enough good things to say about him."
Actions speak more loudly anyway.
When the coach pulled Foisset late in the second quarter of their eventual 37-0 win over Woodlands on Oct. 23, and explained that he wouldn't be reentering the game in the second half, there simply was a nod of acknowledgment.
With the Vikings having control from the outset, and an obvious physical mismatch at the line of scrimmage, this certainly could've been an opportunity for a dynamic running back to pad his stats as the regular season concludes. Instead, DeMatteo said, he was content to cheer for teammates from the sideline, exiting after five carries for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Ironically, a major injury couldn't get Foisset out of the lineup. But an understanding of decorum and sportsmanship was enough for him to acquiesce.
Making the little things a big deal
Foisset immediately stands out on the field, and not just because of his green cleats. At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, he is an imposing runner at the high school level. He's racked up 1,098 yards and 19 touchdowns already this fall. His strength is utilized with a physical and punishing running style, as would be expected.
But the athleticism frequently flashes, too. He showed off the elusiveness on a 53-yard run in the second quarter against Woodlands, turning the corner off right tackle and shaking a defender on the perimeter before racing up the sideline. That burst — and later the threat of a faked handoff to Foisett in the red zone — set up Max Buonocore's 8-yard touchdown run.
There also has been some argument that, despite the eye-popping offensive numbers, Foisset might be an even better on defense. At inside linebacker, he realys the calls to teammates, then begins deciphering formations and personnel, often sniffing out plays before the snap. An example of that was him shooting into the backfield and blowing up a toss to the running back, making the tackle for a 4-yard loss three minutes into the second quarter.
"It's probably 50-50," Foisset said when asked about an imaginary scenario of him at linebacker attempting to stop Luke Foisett the runner. "I know it would be a huge collision. The linebacker would get the stop, but maybe the running back falls forward for a couple yards."
Those two-way skills, on display through his four varsity seasons, have garnered him the interest of several colleges. That includes some Division I programs and Ivy League schools, his 3.7 GPA further piquing their interest.
Foisset also contributes in areas that numbers don't document. Willingly taking on blockers to fill gaps or flowing outside to fill lanes, enabling teammates to make tackles.
And when Sebastian Castaneda zig-zagged the field for a 52-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, Foisset wasn't far behind. He sprinted downfield, pumping his fist emphatically and cheering as the second-string tailback brought the home crowd to its feet. Without words, the canvas presents a snapshot of his leadership.
"He's more like a brother than a teammate," safety Jake DiNatale said. "On the field, he's a beast. But he's able to flip a switch where he's the nicest person, and the one encouraging everyone, and holding everyone accountable."
Adding to those endearing traits is the unquestioned dedication to the team and what he described as an "obsession" with the sport.
"I've never broken a leg, but I can imagine how painful that is, and I couldn't believe it when I first heard he wanted to play on it," said Koehler, a close friend since first grade. "And then to have one of the best seasons in Valhalla history, breaking records, that's unbelievable."
Luke was immersed in football since he was a toddler. His father, Keith Foisset Sr., was a local youth coach, and Luke followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, Keith Jr. and Robert, who both were athletes.
"If you're obsessed with something, you'll fight for it," Luke said of himself playing through injuries. "I'll do anything to hold onto it."
'Fighting for another game'
During Woodlands' final drive, DeMatteo turned to the sideline and said, "If we get an interception, I'm giving you guys (Saturday) off." Maybe a minute later, sophomore Alex Arocho snagged an interception with 2:26 remaining.
That, essentially, ended the game and gave the group one more thing to celebrate.
"I gotta learn to shut my mouth!" the coach said jokingly. "I was caught up in the moment and said that. But I'm a man of my word."
The dominant victory and the unexpected day off sends Valhalla (6-2) into the playoffs on a high. The Vikings have done well, sans the lopsided losses to Pleasantville and Bronxville, the teams favored in their Class C bracket.
But this still is an excellent team that believes, when at full strength, it can compete with anyone.
"We're obviously feeling great, but you can't go in with too much confidence because that can be the downfall," DiNatale said. "But we absolutely believe in ourselves."
Foisset is an obvious mismatch against most defenses, and he has the benefit of running behind an outstanding line that features Koehler, Shane Theall, Michael Roberto, Johnny Buonsante and Sebby Lynch.
Quarterback Joe Candrea has improved as a passer — he threw a 29-yard touchdown to Keelan Mahon — and his progress unlocks another dimension in their offense, DeMatteo said. DiNatale has range and instincts in the defensive backfield, and they've got a solid front seven, with Koehler helping anchor the defensive line.
"It starts next week, where we have to keep fighting for another game," Foisset said of nearing the end of a brilliant high school career. "It's surreal because I remember being here as a freshman for my brother's senior game, now I'm the senior. Time flies. But it reminds you to take in every moment, appreciate it, and give every single thing you have in those moments."
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Luke Foisset powers Valhalla, in words, deeds and incredible toughness