Difference Maker

Dark-Bird has been three-year varsity contributor to Chiefs' football program

  The size of Dakota Dark-Bird's impact on Canton's football program the past three years matches the senior captain's uniform number: 99.

  A contributor on the Chiefs' varsity squad since his sophomore season, Dark-Bird has made key plays on both sides of the ball, both as a tight end and nose guard.

  Dark-Bird maximizes his 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame as a tight end in the Chiefs' run-oriented offense. He may not see a lot of passes spiraling his way, but his skill in neutralizing opponents' defensive ends and linebackers is impressive, said Canton coach Tim Baechler.

  "Dakota is a very physical blocker -- one of the better tight ends we've ever had here," said Baechler. "He's a big, physical kid. A dominant blocker. We don't throw a lot, but when we have thrown him the ball, he's proven he can catch it."

  Football has been more than just a game for Dark-Bird the past several years. It has served as a stabilizing rock he has been able to grab onto when life becomes turbulent.

  Dark-Bird has endured more than his share of turbulence, most notably the death two years ago of his grandfather, Francis Dark, who was like a father figure to the Chiefs' two-way standout.

  "He was always the one up in the stands who was cheering the loudest," said Dark-Bird, reflecting on his late grandpa. "Before every game I play now, I think of him and how he was always there for me. He's definitely an inspiration."

  Football has also provided Dark-Bird with some of his best friendships during the past four seasons at Canton.

  "Years from now, when I look back at my experience here, the things I'll remember most are the bonds that me and the other linemen have made," he said. "I'm friends with a lot of defensive backs and stuff, but there's something about being in the huddle with people every day for so many hours for four years straight.

  "You learn what to say to people when things aren't going right and you learn about people's personalities. Everything comes out when you're in the line of fire together. I hope I stay close with these guys once high school is over."

  Dark-Bird was bestowed one of the highest honors a football player can receive at Canton when he was voted one of the team's four captains during the off-season.

  "That meant a lot to me," he said. "It feels good to know that my teammates think enough of me to put me in a leadership position like they have."

  Dark-Bird has been a key member of Canton's lacrosse program the past three springs. A defender, he has made scoring against the Chiefs a formidable challenge for opponents.

  "Playing football has helped me with the physical part of lacrosse," he said. "And the sprints in football are a lot easier after you play an endurance sport like lacrosse."

  Dark-Bird's post high school athletic career is up in the air right now, but don't be surprised if  something opens up in the coming months.

  Intelligent, 6-3, 235-pound athletes with 4.7 speed are few and far between.

  "I had some opportunities to attend some college prospect camps this past summer, but some things came up that prevented me from going," he said. "But I've received an academic scholarship from the University of Detroit, so we'll see where that takes me. They have a lacrosse team, so if I was able to earn some type of athletic scholarship to go along with the academic one, that would be nice."

  Ed Wright can be reached at [email protected] or (734) 453-1980.