Rockwall-Heath's breakout season will continue without one of the area's biggest breakout stars: running back Kendial Lawrence.

Rockwall-Heath coach Mickey Moss said Monday that an injured shoulder will keep Lawrence, a senior who has rushed for 2,679 yards and 43 touchdowns this season, out of Friday's Class 4A Division II Region II final against Sulphur Springs.

Lawrence was hurt in the second quarter of Rockwall-Heath's 17-14 victory over Ennis on Friday. He rushed 19 times for 114 yards despite the injury.

"He's a difference-maker, and we'd love to have him out there," Moss said. "But there's nothing we can do about it. We've just got to move on."

Lawrence, who is being recruited by several Big 12 and Pac-10 schools, is a big reason Rockwall-Heath (13-0) is unbeaten. He has rushed for more yards and scored more touchdowns than any other 4A or 5A player in the area.

If Rockwall-Heath gets past Sulphur Springs (11-2), it is unknown whether Lawrence will be able to return.

Losing Lawrence is disappointing, Moss said, but it can also be an opportunity for other members of the team to step up. In the win over Ennis, junior Jesse Irokwe filled in for Lawrence and rushed eight times for 92 yards.

"We can't have all our hope and faith in one person," Moss said. "It's a good lesson not only for football, but also in life."