Football doesn’t end in February for everyone
Photo by Timothy Ramsey
Following the Super Bowl in the first week of February, most fans start the clock for the beginning of the next NFL season. For all local football fans, the Triad Panthers may be a way go get your football fix during the spring.
The Panthers are a newly formed semi-pro football team put together by team owner James Summers. The team will play in the Coastal Football Alliance this spring and brings together much of the best talent the Triad has to offer. The league will start in the beginning of March.
“I noticed that there was not a football team in the spring for the Triad guys and I decided to bring guys from around the Triad together,” said Summers. “I had a vision and it is here now because I want everyone to bond and have an opportunity to play ball.”
“This is for those high school students or that guy who didn’t get a scholarship a second chance to play the game and possibly get a look by someone on a higher level or play overseas.”
Summers was formerly a member of another semi-pro football team in another league. He says this league seems to be more organized with better competition, so the product on the field will be top notch.
As far as the team is concerned, Summers says he reached out to veteran football players from other leagues along with a dose of youth to balance out the team. He feels as though the veteran players can set a good example for many of the younger guys.
Will Miller, a Carver High School grad who also played for Fayetteville State University and Winston-Salem State University, says he has played semi-pro football for a number of years and decided to come out to play with the Panthers because of his love for the game.
“I missed the game and I just wanted to get back to it and show people I still have it in me,” said Miller. “I have high expectations because we have a lot of guys who can play and the camaraderie between the guys is coming together, which is the most important part at this point in the season.”
Ray Ray Montford is a veteran receiver who has bounced around different semi-pro teams along with a few stints in the Arena League. He has been a part of numerous championship teams on different levels so he feels his experience is vital for the young guys as an example of how to carry yourself on the field.
“I feel like I have never seen a football I could not catch and I love football and have been playing since I was little,” Montford said. “With my background and with what I see out here we can bring a ring home. I just like to excel in everything that I do.”
Panther head coach Will Pompey feels this team has the potential to go all the way even though it’s their first year. He thinks the level of talent on the team is second to none. He says if they can win it all that would be great but as long as the team gives its all, he will be happy as a coach.
Summers says he is very likely to lace up his cleats once again and play for the Panthers. He sustained an injury earlier this year while playing, but feels his leadership could be a much needed key to get his team over the hump and possibly win a championship their first season. Only time will tell.
