Pettway signs with CAU Panthers

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

National Signing Day was Wednesday, Feb. 1, and Juvon “DAT WAY” Pettway, a senior at Jefferson County K-12 (JCS), was among the high school football stars across the country to pen his name to a letter of intent.
Pettway began this year's football season determined to be a leader for the Jefferson Tigers. Wearing #7, the energy and effort he brought to every game contributed significantly to a Tigers team that was rebuilding and made great strides from game to game. Playing both sides of the ball at wide receiver on offense and safety on defense, Pettway ended the season with an impressive record of 13 touchdowns, five interceptions and 93 tackles. He was twice named Player of the Week.
Pettway worked as hard in the classroom as on the field, forging a path that has landed him a scholarship to attend Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and play safety for their football team. Soon he'll be trading in the vivid orange and blue of the JCS Tigers for the striking red and black of the CAU Panthers.
At a ceremony on Feb. 1, Pettway gathered with his family, teammates, coaches and fans in the JCS Media Center to officially sign his letter of intent.
The event began with praise from JCS Athletic Director Pat Kennedy, who said, “This is all about Juvon and his family – all that he has achieved and how hard he has worked to get here. And he has worked very hard to get here. It's a very special day. Congratulations, Juvon, to you and your wonderful family.”
JCS Principal Jackie Pons took the opportunity not only to recognize Pettway but to challenge other students at JCS to follow Pettway's lead: “To all the young people we have in our school, this should be your goal, to be successful, to move on, to go through another transition in life in which you'll be representing the Tigers on another stage... We're very proud of you. You represent what Jefferson is all about.”
Head Football Coach Lenorris Footman recalled his own signing day as a Jefferson Tiger and expressed how happy he was to see Pettway have the same life changing opportunity.
“All the guys out here who are coming up,” remarked Footman, “use this as motivation and inspiration. Use this moment, mark it on your calendar when your time comes and you will be in this same position. I love you, Juvon. Continue to do great things.”
Then Pettway himself had the opportunity to speak, saying, “I just want to thank all of y'all, especially my mom. I want to thank my dad, too. I want to thank my friends...for motivating me and keeping me going. I am just so happy because I am making history in my family that nobody else could do. It's a lot. I broke a cycle.”
Members of the audience spoke up spontaneously as the ceremony wrapped up, adding comments of appreciation for Pettway being a role model in his church congregation and for providing football fans with great games that will be remembered.
Later in the day by email, Coach Footman, relayed further comments from Pettway: “He wants everyone to know how humble and proud he is for this achievement. He dedicates this achievement to his loving mom and grandmother. They are the reason he works so hard in the classroom and on the field. He also wants to thank his teammates and coaches for pushing and motivating him to be the best version of himself.”
Pettway is expected to be a great addition to the defensive side of the ball for the CAU Panthers and is ready to make his family and community proud.