Photo Credit: Will Okun. Pettiford runs the ball down the field attempting to get a touchdown.[/caption]Patrick Pettiford has been a constant highlight on Football Friday. He is the winner of the Extra Effort Award this week presented by Tom Suiter.
When asked about the award, Pettiford said, “I am thankful for receiving the award; it was a great accomplishment. I'm just happy I was chosen.” Pettiford's inspiration is his late grandmother. “She passed away a few years ago but her presence is my guidance,” said Pettiford. He tries to be a role model for his team and he considers his team part of his family. “We worked hard together the whole off season and we built a strong chemistry over the years.”
Pettiford hopes to continue on with his football career in high school. “I've had colleges talk to me, but I haven't really talked to any about any scholarships. I think Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina is interested though.” Football has been Pettiford’s main sport for the past two years. Pettiford has a record of 17 touchdowns for the season.
“Pettiford is respected, not just for football, but also around the school,” said Will Okun, assistant principal at OHS. Pettiford also stays focused on his school work and academics because football players have to keep their grades up. “He’s the game changer,” Earnie Price told WRAL.
Besides football, Pettiford is also an artist.Jason Johnson, OHS principal told WRAL ”You wouldn't know that Patrick was a football player or an amazing drawer because he doesn't brag about himself,”. Pat Moser, head football coach at OHS, told WRAL, “There are many football players on the team that would not be as good as they are today had it not been for Pat showing them the way.”
November 8, the Orange High School Panther football team defeated Rocky Mount 31-3 in the first round of the NC 3AA playoffs. The win came one week after the Panthers suffered their first loss of the season against Southern Durham, and moved the team to 12-2.
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