CAIRO — A local high school football player is headed to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Flanked by his parents, quarterback Matthew Peters signed with Navy before a group of coaches, school faculty and fellow students.

A three-year starter for the Syrupmakers, Peters originally transferred to CHS from Crestview High School in the ninth grade. The transition wasn’t always easy, but Peters thanked those in attendance for supporting him along the way.

“There’s been a lot of trials and tribulations that I went through,” Peters said. “I thank God every day that I even got an opportunity to start somewhere and be wanted and welcomed to play quarterback.”

Peters saved special praise for assistant coach Tommy York, who the 6-foot-2 QB credited with helping him through several injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons.

“Coach York carried me all over the place — Tallahassee, Thomasville,” Peters said. “He helped me get my brace and everything.”

Head coach Steve Devoursney said the Naval Academy will be a “big step” for Peters, but he added that he thinks the 2019 Semper Fidelis All-American is up for the challenge.

“We’re excited for him and I know he’ll do us proud,” Devoursney said. “We’ll see him on TV one day and we can’t wait to go to the Army-Navy game.”

For all of his accomplishments on the field, athletic director Tom Fallaw spent most of his time praising Peters’ performance off of it. While noting that he believes Peters is “probably one of the finest young athletes to ever walk through these halls,” Fallaw also said Peters excels in the classroom and will now have an opportunity to obtain a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the country.

Principal Chris Lokey echoed Fallaw’s praises, describing Peters as a “stellar student” who exemplifies everything a Syrupmaker should be.

“He’s so courteous, he’s a gentleman, he leads his peers,” he said. “He’s a leader on and off the field.”