Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star quarterback from the Sir John A MacDonald Flames, Matt Shannon. Matt started playing football at the age of eleven for the peewee Timberlea Titans.
Matt Shannon
Positions:
Quarterback
Height/Weight:
6’0, 162 lbs
Teams:
Sir John A MacDonald Flames (high school)
Halifax Redhawks (junior varsity: NSVFL)
Halifax Seahawks (junior varsity: NSVFL)
Timberlea Titans (peewee/bantam)
Team Nova Scotia under-15, under-17, under-18
Commitment:
None
Consideration:
Dalhousie, Open
Class:
2012
When Matt first stepped out onto the football field to practice with the Timberlea Titans Minor Football Association, he never looked back. Over the course of his career, the standout has positioned himself to be amongst the elite quarterback ranks in Nova Scotia.
During his high school career with the Sir John A MacDonald Flames of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL), Matt came into his own as a star. In 2010, the pivot experienced the highlight of his year as he guided the Flames into the NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship game against the Citadel Phoenix.
“All of high school football I will never forget but this game was special because of the team we had and it was the first time the Flames had made it to the championship,” explains Matt, who has played for the Halifax Seahawks and Halifax Redhawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL). “It was an honour to play in front of all the Flames that came out to watch and show support.”
This past season, Matt was instrumental in leading one of the best passing offences in the league. Consequently, the NSSAFFL awarded the pivot for his exceptional play on the field. Matt was named the NSSAFFL Scotia Division offence MVP and selected to the Scotia Division first all-star team in the quarterback position.
Additionally in 2011, the pivot was the recipient of the Partridge Award from Sir John A MacDonald. It is awarded to the top male undergraduate athlete at the school. Earlier in 2009, Matt was honoured with the NSSAF Ron O’Flaherty Scholar Athlete Award.
Representing his province has also been a key part of his career as he played for the Nova Scotia under-15, under-17 and under-18 teams. In July 2011, Matt travelled to Lethbridge, Alberta to pivot the provincial under-18 team at the Football Canada Cup.
The standout has developed into an elite quarterback due to the guidance and motivation of Flames head coach Alan Wetmore.
“In two years, he coached me and trained me at the Ultimate Athlete Factory,” comments Matt. “I learned a lot about offence and how to be a truly smart and poised quarterback and that no matter what you’re doing in life, you have to work at it and try to perfect it.”
Moreover, his parents have been supportive and encouraging of his pursuits on and off the field.
“They have taught me many lessons in life but most of all is that success takes hard work,” adds Matt. “They were big supports of my football career and came to all of my games.”
Away from the gridiron, Matt played basketball for the Sir John A MacDonald Flames for the last three years. In 2010, the student-athlete helped the team win a NSSAF Division 1 championship title. Furthermore, Matt enjoys exercising and loves to sail during his summers.
As for future career aspirations, the Flames graduating star is leaning towards the engineering field.
Overall, Matt will be taking the skills he’s learned from the game to aid him in achieving all his football and life goals. In particular, one main thing he’s learned is how to deal with adversity and unfamiliar territory.
“When you face adversity or make a mistake, you can’t spend time worrying or regretting it,” says the Flames quarterback. “You need to move on immediately and use it to help you be successful in the future; this is something you really learn at the quarterback position.”
“Football has taught me to make myself more comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and be able to adapt to those situations.”
Wetmore says that Matt is gifted because he has intelligence and instincts that would rival any opposing football team. However, the Flames head coach says while the star quarterback may be quiet, he is knowledgeable about what is going on and listens very closely to the instruction Wetmore gives him.
“Matt is definitely one of the most intelligent football players that I have coached,” comments Wetmore, who’s been the only head coach the Flames program has had since the team came entered the NSSAFFL six seasons ago. “Matt is a quite kid but his quietness is never interpreted as not knowing what he is doing; you know how some kids become quiet when they have no clue what you are talking about!”
“With him, you never doubt, at any time, that he isn’t one step ahead of you and I always loved it when he corrected me when I made a mistake in coaching a scheme, which was often.”
On the field, Matt has worked very hard to become one of the most dangerous yet brilliant and efficient passers in Nova Scotia high school football.
“His work ethic, like all Flames, is second to none,” explains the Flames head coach of his starting quarterback’s playing style. “He has worked his craft very hard and very well.”
“His drops, reads and timing have grown to be perfect at this level but has burning desire to keep developing.”
Overall, Matt has left his mark and Wetmore sees great things ahead for the Flames quarterback. For his own part, the head coach wants to continue playing a role in Matt’s future football career.
“Not only does he have a bright future as a player but I think someday he will be a great coordinator,” says Wetmore, who led the Flames into the 2010 NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship game. “Myself and the Titans (Tantallon Minor program) are pursuing a Varsity team bid just because we want another opportunity to coach Matt.”
“Having a privilege to work with a quarterback like him does not come around very often.”
There is no doubt that Wetmore is high on his starting quarterback that he’s had the privilege and honour of coaching Matt for the last three seasons. The Flames head coach says he is a huge fan and hopes that the pivot will continue to play football beyond high school.
Ultimately, Wetmore is hopeful that someone will give Matt an opportunity to play at the next level.
“I hope somebody gives him a chance,” comments Wetmore. “You will not find a more dedicated, dependable player in the recruiting class.”
“Much like Tom Brady was ignored due to initial physical impressions Matt is too: he has the intangibles and is definitely worth pursuing.”
Video of Matt’s Football Highlights:
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