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Canton Patch Athlete of the Week: Anthony Bires

This Canton High quarterback is in the spotlight.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: ANTHONY BIRES

NAME OF TEAM: Canton High School Football, Quarterback

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: “Anthony has had to overcome both hardships on and off the field and he has been able to do so. He never has used any excuses and he has only blamed himself. He is a very talented athlete and he has gotten that way through very hard work. He has become a leader and very well respected by his peers. He is a good teammate, coachable player who exemplifies what you can accomplish despite obstacles, if you put your mind to it.”  -

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“It’s been a tough road, but I dedicated this season to my mom and knew that I had no one to blame for where I was, but myself. With hard work and great help and friendship from my teammates, coaches, teachers, school and my family and friends, I rebuilt my life both on and off the field and I’m very thankful. There is still more work to be done and I will continue to make everyone proud of me, especially my dad who has always supported me and my mom who I know is always with me.” –Anthony Bires

ANTHONY’S STORY: Anthony was always a talented athlete, but suffered a terrible personal loss when his mother Tara passed away during his sophomore year. His grades and his football suffered, and he was limited to the bench. Dave Bohane returned to coach the team, after coaching the Bulldogs during the 1990s, and immediately saw the quarterback talent that Anthony possessed and named him the team’s signal caller. Down and out, Anthony improved his grades and proved his excellence on the football field and now is considered one of the top players in the Hockomock League.

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WHY IS HE THE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: After playing in only one full game in two seasons, Anthony has helped revive the proud Canton football tradition. As the quarterback, Anthony (5-11, 175 pounds) has rushed and passed for over 500 yards for a combined 1000 yards. His last week’s effort at Oliver Ames was sensational. Anthony was 7 of 10 passing for 147 yards and a touchdown and added three rushing touchdowns with 118 yards rushing on 18 carries. Anthony has a total of 13 touchdowns, eight passing and five rushing on the season. Anthony can also play free safety on defense.

FAVORITE CAREER ATHLETIC MOMENT: The Oliver Ames game because after two difficult years, Canton won its first two games of this season, but had lost its last five before traveling to heavy favorite OA. Anthony helped turn the season around and make Canton a legitimate threat to any Hockomock League opponent.

STATISTICS: Anthony has compiled over 500 yards rushing, 500 yards passing and is also among the Divisional leaders in touchdown passes, rushing touchdowns and total all-purpose yards.

FUTURE GOALS: To attend a prep school (Bridgeton Academy) and improve upon both his athletic and academic skills. Anthony hopes to attend college, continue to play football while majoring in criminal justice, and to one day become a police officer.

NEXT UP: A game at King Philip, and the against Stoughton (at Canton.)

WHATS ON HIS IPOD: Anthony likes to listen to hip-hop music.


OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL: Anthony enjoys simple things like spending time with his friends and family, including his father John. His brothers Dom, 14, and Joe, 13, will carry on the family tradition with the Bulldogs starting next season.

HONORABLE MENTION: Canton had two defensive players that had outstanding efforts in the game at Oliver Ames. JUSTIN RUDY, a junior linebacker (he also plays offensive tackle) had seven unassisted tackles, two forced fumbles and two tackles for a loss against bigger competition, while playing in almost every play of the contest. Rudy is among the team’s leading tacklers with 56 through eight games. Also JAKIEL MOSES-HARRIS, a senior captain and linebacker, had nine unassisted tackles and one deflection.

NEXT WEEK’S ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK WILL FEAUTURE TEAMS: Featured will be the top six, 2011 fall teams in Canton. All of them have won Division or League Titles this season.

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