Injured Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School quarterback Mason Martin is making progress in his recovery from injuries he suffered at a football game in September.

His father, Denny Martin, announced on Facebook his son has completed his second week of rehabilitation at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Denny wrote on Dec. 24 that Mason has shown an increased ability to communicate as he has been vocalizing and making facial expressions to show his discomfort.

“Although it is tough to hear him moan and grimace, it’s actually a very positive sign,” Denny wrote about Mason’s recovery. “He has at times been able to respond to questions through blinking. This is very encouraging because Mason is in the communication stage of his recovery.”

Denny said Mason has had limited movement as of late, but he feels this is a normal part of the recovery process.

“This last week it has been difficult to get any body movements out of him,” Denny wrote. “No matter how many times you’re told these peaks and valleys are normal, it still doesn’t make it any easier or less frustrating.”

Mason had been projected to have his tracheostomy tube removed last week, but he was having a difficult time coughing up thick secretions Denny wrote.

“I’ve been told and assume his ability to cough up these secretions will improve once he gets the plastic tube out of his throat, the irony however is that he can’t get the tube out until he can cough up these secretions,” Denny said.

On Dec. 23, Denny also posted a photo of a letter and an American flag that U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th sent the Martin family as a symbol of appreciation and support.

“This flag and the flag that will be flown over the Capitol will be passed down through every generation of our family,” Denny wrote. “They will be a symbol of the values and beliefs our family will always stand for. Most importantly these flags will be a reminder that we can overcome any hardships through our hope and faith in God.”