FRANKLIN

A prominent Franklin High School football player and alumni from the Class of 1997 was honored this past summer for his volunteer work as a coach at Lakeland High School in Suffolk.

Xavier Scott Sr. had been anonymously nominated and chosen to be recognized as a “Standout Coach,” by Subway and WAVY-TV10 in August.

“They could have picked from thousands,” he said of the honor. “I am truly grateful.”

For the past six years, Scott had volunteered as the LHS offensive coordinator. His time there is one of which he can be proud for and of the Cavaliers.

“They still hold the record for being the only high school team to go to regional championships, and to twice host two play-off games and win,” Scott said during a interview. He added that Lakeland also has has the school record for having a running back to achieve 3,000 yards in rushing and 30 touch downs.

The son of Henry Scott Sr. of Washington, D.C., and Janet Wiggins of Suffolk, he enjoyed his own glory days in the football. In addition to the quarterback’s individual work and records in passing, receiving and earning touchdowns, Scott was the first person from FHS to get a Division I football scholarship to Hampton University. He said he was also the first from the school to go on to the National Football League as an undrafted free agent for the Carolina Panthers, for which he played in the 2003 season.

But now he is focusing his coaching skills in another way much, much closer to home: His family. His wife is Carlena, and their children are Alyssa, 9; Xavier Jr., 6; and Mason, 4.

“I have three small children and I decided it was time to step down,” said Scott, pointing out that the game is demanding year around. “Football is very exhausting.”

Though the Scotts live in North Suffolk, his work brings him back to Franklin at his cousin Greg Scott’s Cover 3 Foundation. There, he is the senior vice president and packing coordinator of C3’s kids meals.

Naturally, Scott still follows the game by watching on TV or going to local events whenever possible. To keep his hand in for possible future coaching and keep his skills sharp, he plans to attend clinics and conferences.

Scott added, “It’s treated me so well and given me so much. I respect the game.”