Six Petal football players signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
"This is a special group," Petal coach Allen Glenn said. "In my first year here, I'll always remember this group of seniors and the foundation that they have helped lay. We have six football players and a filmer going on to the next level. It's an awesome testimony to the guys that were here before me. Coach (Marcus) Boyles with helping to develop those kids."
Signing National Letters of Intent were defensive lineman Simon Lee (East Central CC), offensive lineman Chase Wood (Holmes CC), linebacker Zion Edwards (Northwest CC), offensive lineman Reed McKay (Jones College), offensive lineman Braeden Lee (Belhaven University) and kicker Nate Jones (Mississippi College). Also joining in on signing day was the team's student video coordinator, Hunter Robinson, who also signed a scholarship with Jones College for the same role.
For McKay, who was a member of the Pine Belt Sports All-Area team, his decision on choosing Jones was so he could stay close to home.
"It's a pretty big day," McKay said. "I think one of the reasons I chose Jones is because it's right over there in Ellisville. It's about 25 minutes through the woods. It's a small town like Petal. It kind of brought me back to my hometown when I went up there for my first visit. I was like, this is the place, and they also pulled the trigger on me first."
Edwards said it was a bittersweet moment since he won't be able to represent the Panthers anymore but was excited about the next level.
"It's what I have been dreaming about since I was four or five," Edwards said. "I've been playing football for a long time. It's kind of bitter since I won't get to play for the city anymore, but it's on to new things, and I'm ready for it."
This past season, Edwards recorded 78 tackles, 11 TFLs and forced two fumbles.
"Northwest gave me an opportunity," Edwards said. "They showed me nothing but love when they first offered me. They want me to come up there and play strong safety or nickel. I think I fit well in their defense.
"They are a really strong team and have a great coaching staff. It's a great city that is a lot like Petal."
Both McKay and Edwards both explained how they would miss their time playing for Petal but look forward to playing against each other in the future.
"It's been like family," Edwards said. "I've met guys like (Reed McKay), guys that I have been able to go to war with since middle school. I've had some of my highest and lowest moments. It's been like family. It's been like a second home for me. It'll be hard to leave behind, but you have to take the next step."
