By Joshua Price/Sports Editor
Etowah High School football star Darrin Peterson signed a football scholarship with Liberty University (Lynchburg, Va.) on Feb. 1 at Wyman Townsel Field House in Attalla.
The 6’3 wide receiver was a key figure in the Blue Devil offense, ‘Petey’ caught 65 passes for 1,393 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Peterson won many awards for his senior campaign, including Class 5A All-State first team, Class 5A, Region 7 Most Valuable Player and Co-MVP honors in the annual “All-Messenger” grid squad.
“These players work hard for this opportunity,” Etowah head coach Sam McCorkle said. “Only three percent of high school players get to play college football and only one percent of that number go on to a higher level.
“Lynchburn (Va.) is not too far away. In fact, it’s a straight shot up the interstate. I will go watch him play every chance I get. But most importantly, I will get to go watch him graduate one day.
“We were very fortunate this year to have lots of good players. I think we had the very best passing duo in the State of Alabama. We could throw the ball anytime from any place on the field.
“All the coaches, including myself, are all very proud of Petey. He gets to go play college football and he will get a good education.”
“I’m a Blue Devil through and through,” said Attalla City School System superintendent David Bowman. “I’m really excited for Petey. I’m always excited to see our kids succeed and go on further. Nothing is more exciting than seeing our kids get their college education paid for. I can’t believe every college in the universe is not here fighting over him!”
Peterson thanked everyone for attending the ceremony.
“I’d like to start by thanking my parents and my coaches,” Peterson said. “I also want to thank my teammates for their support.”
Peterson had a special message for his teammates.
“I loved playing with every one of you and I will never forget my days at Etowah. I loved playing here and I love all the guys I played football with. I appreciate everything that everyone has done for me.”