Father returns from Iraq to watch son play
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High school football games are very special occasions in small towns all around the south. But attending Friday’s game against Lincoln County was considered an extra-special honor, and a privilege, for two Warren County natives.
One was a Pioneer football player, while the other was his father, who has been serving his country in northern Iraq.
For Brad Cantrell, the trip to Fayetteville was the first chance for him to see his son, Nick, on the football field since last year’s game against Coffee County. Brad, who was among the throngs of WCHS fans caught up in the Pioneer spirit Friday night, was understandably emotional after the game, when he was asked what it was like to watch his son in action once again.
“He’s all grown up,” Brad said. “Last time I saw him play, he was still a young boy, the whole team was. But now to see them come together and play like they did tonight is something I will never forget.
“I coached so many of these kids in junior pro football, and I knew in my heart they would come together in high school. The feeling I had in my stomach and heart was something I just can’t describe. And to see him make the catch for the touchdown was so special.”
Brad, who is home for three weeks, picked this time of the year to take his leave for several reasons.
“I took my leave now so I could see him play a couple of games, and it also happens to be by wife’s birthday and our anniversary,” he explained. “I almost made it home for last week’s game, but I missed the plane by 10 people. My wife somehow had film of the first two games, though, so I was able watch Nick in action against DeKalb and Bradley Central.”
But watching on film didn’t compare for actually being home, and seeing Nick pla;y in person.
“It’s been a very emotional night for me and my family,” Brad said.
Nick’s 6-yard touchdown catch put the Pioneers on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter, and helped give the Pioneers the mental boost they needed to tie the game, forcing overtime. He finished with two catches for 19 yards on the night, and after the game was not only proud of his teammates, but was all smiles when asked how it felt to catch his touchdown in front of his dad.
“I really don’t know what to say, it was very dramatic for me,” Nick stated. “He loves football, and taught me the game. Just for him to be able to be here and watch us play was special, but to score a touchdown for him is something else. I just can’t explain how that makes me feel.”
Brad will be able to see his son play one more time before heading back to Iraq, as they’ll share the excitement of the White County game Friday night before Brad returns to duty. He is expected to return home again this November.