BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WCIA) — After a season-ending ACL injury derailed the majority of Central quarterback George Rouse’s senior season, the Wofford signee strapped up his Maroons helmet one last time.

Rouse returned to the field for the 51st annual Shrine Game in Bloomington on Saturday, regaining confidence in his knee while taking his first in-game snaps since the fall.

“I was pretty nervous, honestly, until the first play, but once I made a cut on my knee one time, I was good,” Rouse said.

He also threw a touchdown pass in the all-star game, capping off a fun week in style.

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“It means a lot to me,” Rouse said. “Yeah, I would’ve loved to play all nine games with my guys, but to be out here and be able to wear the C on my helmet, it meant a lot to me.” “It was an awesome game, I met a lot of great buddies, a couple of guys from around the area that I didn’t really know I got to spend a lot of time with.” “It was awesome, and it’s for a great cause, so it was overall a great week.”

Rouse was a three-time captain with the Maroons, throwing for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior.