Class 2013: Bright future on the horizon for defensive star John Perrott (Video)

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2013 star defensive back from the Sir John A MacDonald Flames, John Perrott. John started his football career in 2008 with the peewee Timberlea Titans.

John Perrott

Positions:
Defensive Back, Special Teams (Kick Returner)

Height/Weight:
5’10, 185 lbs

Teams:
Sir John A MacDonald Flames (high school)
Halifax Redhawks (junior varsity: NSVFL)
Timberlea Titans (peewee/bantam)
Team Nova Scotia under-17, under-18

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Acadia, Holland College, St. Francis Xavier, Open

Class:
2013

Upon the advice of a friend, John decided to give football a try in 2008 with the peewee Timberlea Titans. In only his first season with the Titans, he already showed signs that he would become a dominant and powerful defensive enforcer. Consequently, John was team defensive MVP that year and also was bantam team rookie of the year in 2009 with the Titans.

Faced with a decision of either playing in the high school ranks or continuing with the bantam Titans, the defensive star made the choice based on his best football interests.

“I chose bantam because I was offered to play both ways,” explains John. “I thought this would give me a better understanding of football, seeing it from both sides of the ball.”

Additionally, John has represented Team Nova Scotia twice in his career: as a member of the under-17 team at the Wilson Cup in Montreal (2010) as a member of the under-18 team at the Football Canada Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta (2011).

Showing his versatility on the field in the spring of 2011, the defensive back played running back for the Halifax Redhawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL). This past season marked the transition into the high school ranks, as John joined the Sir John A MacDonald Flames of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Association Football League (NSSAFFL).

While playing for the Flames, John experienced a memorable moment on the field. It took place in week nine of the NSSAFFL regular season and the Flames were battling for a spot to get into the playoffs.

“We were down 21-0 nothing at halftime to the Cobequid Education Centre Cougars at John A,” adds the Flames defensive back. “We would come back to beat them in the fourth.”

There is no doubt that John has made major strides on the field. He credits his success to Flames head coach and Ultimate Athlete Factory owner Alan Wetmore for giving him the opportunity and instruction to help him become a powerful defensive standout.

“The most influential person would be Coach Wetmore who taught me a lot,” says John of his instructor and coach. “He makes me want to play hard for all the people involved in the football team.”

“I also go to his gym, and learn a lot about doing things right from him.”

Over the years, John’s family have played an active part in his football career and have been a source of support and encouragement.

My parents were always there to get me to practice when I needed a ride,” comments the Flames defensive standout. “They were also very committed to football.”

“My older brother who also played football along with many other sports when he was my age.”

As for future plans, John would like to pursue football beyond high school. Away from the field, he would either like to study kinesiology at university or become a police officer.

Overall, the Flames defensive back has learned what it will take to be successful in achieving all his football and life goals.

“The number one thing that I’ve learned from football is hard work and commitment,” explains John. “If you want to be successful, you have to work as hard as you can everyday and to do that you must be committed.”

Wetmore is the coach who has most recently instructed him and describes the type of player the Flames defensive back is on the field.

“John is a big physical defensive back with a great ability to tackle and make explosive contact,” comments Wetmore, who has been the only Flames head coach since the team entered the NSSAFFL six seasons ago. “John’s instincts and football pedigree is well established.”

“From day one in our camp, he showed himself to be a starter and a great player making the transition with ease. He fit right in.”

While John plays the weak half for the Flames, Wetmore says that the defensive standout is headed towards a future football career as a safety.

“He has a great knowledge of the game, he will be able to set and communicate converges and will bring a very strong physical presence,” adds the Flames head coach, who guided the Flames to the NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship final against the Citadel Phoenix in 2010. “John has dedicated himself to an off-season football training program and his development is proceeding along great.”

Next season, the other teams in the NSSAFFL will have to keep an eye out for the defensive standout and try at all costs to avoid him on the field. As Wetmore says, he will be among the discussions for the league’s defensive player of the year.

Moreover the Flames head coach is looking forward to seeing the results of John’s off-season training when the Flames start the 2012 NSSAFFL regular season campaign in the fall. Furthermore, Wetmore says that he is excited for John to take over the leadership reins of the team.

Overall, a bright future is on the horizon for the big, fast, physical Flames defensive back.

“He should raise a lot of havoc on the other team,” comments Wetmore. “I am also looking forward to the leadership he will bring to the table now that it is his team and he has all the qualities that a coach wants in his leader so I am confident that the team under his leadership will be focused, hard working and determined to win.”

“He is definitely a guy to keep an eye on in 2012.”

Video of John’s Football Highlights:

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