KJ Reiss began the year with something to prove to himself, his peers and coaches. So far, he certainly has felt justified.

Reiss, a senior running back, has been the Roughies’ leading rusher throughout the season as he has accumulated 623 yards on 128 carries for a stellar 4.9 average per carry. He has found the end zone six times, accounting for half of the team’s rushing touchdowns.

It definitely has been redemption from last season.

Reiss suffered an ankle injury in week three and then a torn ACL two weeks later that abruptly ended his season. He finished the year with 255 yards on 72 carries for a 3.5 average per carry. For Reiss, it wasn’t the start he envisioned after he transferred from Allentown Central Catholic after his first two years.

He topped the 100-yard mark on three occasions, getting 119 against Salisbury in the team opener, then tallying a season-high 127 against Wilson, and also recording 111 against Notre Dame.

“Last year was tough and it was very frustrating,” said Reiss. “I really didn’t get to play much and I was happy to come here. I was looking forward to playing here, but it didn’t happen. I worked really hard in the offseason rehabbing my knee.

“I am just happy to be playing and being healthy for every game. That’s the main thing. It has been a good season for me and I am happy with my yards per carry. I wanted to get 1,000 yards this season, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

Reiss, one of 11 seniors on the roster, has found it hard to explain the Roughies’ 2-8 season, their latest loss a 48-20 defeat to Northwestern in the home finale last Friday. The Roughies will look for some satisfaction when they meet winless Northampton (0-10) on Thanksgiving Day.

“We didn’t expect this,” said Reiss. “We expected to have a better record. It has been frustrating. It’s really a weird situation. Sometimes the way we play, we can play with anybody. Other times, we can’t seem to do anything right.

“But I’m looking forward to playing Northampton. I didn’t get to play on Thanksgiving last year. We want to finish with a win because we all know how big of a game it is to the community.”

Reiss would like to continue playing football next season. He has looked into a number of junior colleges and Division II and III schools. Reiss plans to pursue a career in exercise science.

Over the years, he has derived his inspiration for the game from his father Keith, who he was named after with his first name and is half of his nickname. K is for Keith, and J is for his grandfather, Jonathan.

“My dad has motivated me from the start,” he said. “He definitely has been a big part of my football career and my life.

“It would be great if I could win this final game for him and for everybody who has supported us.”