Everyone buy your tickets and order your favorite half time snacks because it’s football season. For senior Dawayne Kirton Friday nights aren’t hang out with friends kind of nights, but ones to show how the Scituate Sailors play football.
Modeling the number five, Kirton is one of three Co-Captains of the Varsity Football team and has been a member since his sophomore year. He also has been playing football since he was five years old. He was introduced to it by his mom.
“My mom just put me in it and I picked it up” said Kirton.
Athletes in all sports have different superstitions they do before each game. Some listen to music, wear lucky socks, or rub a special pendent. Kirton’s pre-game ritual is unique to him.
“I pray, listen to pump up music and think about what I have to do in the game” said Kirton.
Kirton is well-liked by his peers and his coaches. They admire the dedication and hard work he puts in towards football and his friendly attitude towards others.
“He’s kind of quiet, but he always does what he’s supposed to do so no one questions him…” said senior Zac Perfetti, a fellow teammate of Kirton’s. “He works hard and he does what he is supposed to do without complaining,” said Perfetti.
“He leads by example and kind of quiet and a hard worker,” said Co-Captain Tim Churchill. “Off the field, he’s a really good kid, he’s funny and leads by example,” Churchill said.
Kirton’s coach also had a few words to say regarding who he is as a player and a student.“On the field Dawayne is a very humble athlete. He is a silent leader,” said Coach Herb Devine. “Off the field I like how Dawyane treats people and tries to make the team one big family…” said Devine. Coach Devine also talked about the 2013 season.“We beat Pembroke for the first time in two years. It was nice that the seniors were here to beat Pembroke. We are also 3-1 overall and 1-0 in our league,” said Coach Devine.
This season Kirton has been a star. In the last four games Kirton has a total of 650 yards and eight touchdowns.
After he graduates from Scituate, Kirton plans on continuing his football career in college. He isn’t too picky about where he wants to go, he just wants to be able to play.
Kirton isn’t just admired on the field but also off the field as a student in the SHS community. On October 3, 2013 Kirton was announced the winner of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award (DAR). It is an award presented to a student nominated by faculty and voted for by his or her peers. The award is given to the student who displays good citizenship, leadership, patriotism, and who is dependable.
“We have a decent chance at making it into the championships at Gillette” said Kirton.