There was great expectation on Thursday, Sept.22, when Canton Middle went up against their county rival, Waynesville Middle. It was also the Homecoming game so a large crowd was expected. In addition to all the excitement, Coach Jessica Coward and head football coach Joshua Simmons teamed up to allow one student, who has never had the opportunity to play football, to join the Canton Middle School football team for the start of a game.  Lou Stamey is an eighth grade student who loves football but is confined to a wheelchair due to Cerebral Palsy.  Everyone involved wanted Lou to get to know what it was like to have a uniform on, to play in a game, and to have the crowd go wild in support.  Prior to opening kickoff, Lou was aided by his teammates to score a 50-yard touchdown. Not only was it a great experience for Lou but for spectators as well as both teams demonstrated true sportsmanship with their upstanding values and compassion.  And, by the look on Lou’s face, the experience will be memorable.

Submitted by:  Anita Painter, Canton Middle School