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Mathews QB Canter set for more responsibility

VIENNA – When Dillon Canter took over as quarterback at Mathews prior to last season, his job was a simple one. He was to hand the ball off and not turn it over. Heading into his junior season, his second as the starter under center, that role is about to be upgraded.

“It’s a little challenging,” Canter said. “There’s more pressure. When I was a sophomore, Coach (Mike) Palumbo said it wasn’t my job to win games. That was the job for the juniors and seniors.

“Now, I believe it’s my turn. I’m kind of in charge of making sure everyone gets done that needs to get done. It will definitely be a challenge. We have a little more speed and that could work to our advantage. Instead of relying on one guy, we can rely on a bunch of guys.”

The last few seasons, the Mustangs have been known to run the ball almost exclusively behind an experienced line with running back Brian Leipply. Leipply graduated as did a good portion of the offensive line. Heading into 2016, the Mustangs are looking to be a more balanced team.

“In ways, it’s easier (not having Leipply),” Canter said. “In ways, it’s more difficult. Last year, we ran with Brian so much, when we passed it was kind of a trick play. I’ve learned more about reading zone coverages. Brian was great. He could get us yards when we needed to get yards, but everyone knew he was getting the ball.”

The new offense appeals to Canter.

“I was definitely excited when I heard we were going to be running the spread,” Canter said. “It made my heart skip a beat. When you’re a quarterback and have to hand off all the time, it’s disappointing, but I knew that was the job. I’m happy we’re going to throw more. I get to contribute some more.”

Dillon isn’t the only Canter in the backfield for the Mustangs. He has a twin brother, Daniel, as well as a younger brother, Gabe, on the team as well.

“At home, obviously, we argue and maybe sometimes at practice,” Canter said. “During games, I know he can carry the ball. I know what he can do. I’d say it’s an interesting thing. Not many people can they have a twin at quarterback and running back on the same team. It’s definitely interesting.

“He’s a little stockier and we’re a little leaner. When we go against each other, if I drop a pass over his head, I give him a little shrug, let him know I beat him. I would do that for some friends, too.”

With twin Canters running the option, it’s easy to think they’d always know what the other might be thinking. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

“The twin telepathy thing is a little bit of a stretch,” Canter said. “I would say it takes work to get to know every back, even for brothers. Each back is different. He’s got to learn how to work with me and I’ve got to learn how to work with them.”

Canter has some lofty goals this season despite the roster turning over the way it has.

“As a team, I definitely want to get back to the playoffs,” Canter said. “And I want to win the league. My freshman year, we won the league and made the playoffs on the same night. It was crazy. Everyone was wild. As an individual, I want to do my job. Stats are nice, but I’d rather win.”

Though he’d like to put up big individual numbers, Canter understands there is something bigger he is competing for.

“Anything the team needs, that’s what I’m going to do,” Canter said. “Sometimes, I might not even be in the backfield. Whatever’s best for the team, I’ll do it. As one of the guys a lot of people look to, I have to be the guy who puts the team first. I want the younger players to look up to me and have that same attitude.”

With that in mind, Canter made a sacrifice. He no longer plays defense after earning the job as the starting quarterback.

“It was fun because I got to hit people,” Canter said. “But I know what I’ve got to do and if playing quarterback is all I have to do, that’s good for me. At first, not playing defense, I was upset. I liked filling holes and hitting people. It’s easier for me (just playing offense) because instead of having to learn what the other team is going to do too, I can just worry about our team and our offense.”

Family has definitely made Canter’s career possible. He is the son of Jessie Jones-Canter and Darryl Canter.

“From the time I was young, they’ve made this possible,” Canter said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. They definitely pushed me the right way to get me disciplined. They got me ready for sports and high school, and, hopefully, the real world.

“Both sets of grandparents, Daniel and Patti Canter and Toni and Douglas Jones, have done some big things in my life to help me out with academics and sports.”

Canter has also had a bit of good leadership within the program from former coach Mike Palumbo as well as current coach John Protopapa.

“All of our coaches motived me,” Canter said. “They make sure we do what we need to. They give us discipline and make sure our grades are good and we behave inside and outside of school.”

Continuing his career at the next level might be a possibility for Canter, but it’s one he’ll have to consider closely.

“It was never too much of a thought,” Canter said. “When I was little, I wanted to play in college, I guess, but I didn’t realize I’d only be 5-8. If I get a money offer, I will play, but I want to focus more on my education in college. I love football, but I want to get a college degree and a good job.

“I try to be real. I realize I’m not the greatest athlete. I have to work and work and work. I like to say my parents gave me a little bit of smarts and I’d love to get some money for what I do in the classroom.”

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