Canton Academy Panthers prepared to #FINISH

By Courtney Warren

After making it all the way to a state championship only to lose to the Greenville Christian Saints, the Canton Academy Varsity Football Panthers are ready to #finish with a trophy this year. Passion and heart were evident throughout the season last year, and this season is no different. 

Senior Samuel Wadford said his passion comes from the black and gold that runs through his veins. 

“My dad played both sides of the ball as a Panther, and so did my brother. I’ve been proud to be a part of the Panther family since I was a little kid playing behind the bleachers at games. My dad still runs the clock at all the games, and my brother comes home from college every week to help on the sidelines. We are a dedicated black and gold family,” said Wadford. 

With young eyes watching him, Wadford knows it’s his job to show young athletes what it means to truly be a varsity Panther. 

“I hope the underclassmen realize how important their team is to them. We can’t do this without each other. There isn’t one man who makes us good - it takes full effort from every person, whether you’re the man who takes the ball across the line or not,” said Wadford. 

Moving up from the junior varsity to the varsity football team, sophomore Ayden Hughes said his passion is what keeps him on the field. 

“It’s the drive for the game that gets you going on the field - the teammates you play for and leaving it all on the field for them. It’s amazing to play for such a good program and school. There is just a different drive behind Canton Academy football. It’s hard to find a coaching staff like we have at Canton Academy anywhere else. It just feels so much better to be on the Canton Academy football field than any other field I’ve ever been on. People in the stands just realize that our coaches do not just coach us to be better players, but they mold us into men. They can tell that we don’t just play the game to win, but we play for each other.”

With the weight of the defense on his shoulders, senior Daniel Ford said, “I love being a senior Panther this year. The younger kids look up to you and you can teach them what you’ve learned. I’m passionate about the sport because it’s been my life since I was six years old. I’m just hoping to leave CA with a championship ring and positive memories with the younger players.”