By Kevin Eckleberry

Sports Editor

Callaway High’s Golden Sutton calls himself a “utility player.”

In baseball terminology, a utility player is a guy who can play anywhere on the field.

One day he may be at third base, and the next day he might be playing left field.

For the Callaway football team, Sutton is a man who is comfortable in a couple of different roles.

A year ago, Sutton was an offensive lineman for the Cavaliers.

This year, Sutton has moved to the other side of the field, and he’s a key member of Callaway’s defensive line.

Sutton just wants to play and help the team, so where there’s a need, that’s where he goes.

“I always want to be where the team can use me,” said Sutton, a junior defensive tackle. “I like defense the most, but if the offense needs me, I’ll get in there to. Call me a utility player. I’ll get in wherever they need me.”

At the moment, Sutton is needed on defense, and he has helped solidify a defensive line that has become a strength of the team.

Sutton led the team in tackles in last week’s 52-12 win last week, and he returned a fumble for a touchdown in a win over Macon County.

Sutton, Desmond “Debo” Davis, Justin Dumas and Jamal Bruce give Callaway an imposing defensive line.

“Those four guys have really worked hard,” Callaway head coach Pete Wiggins said. “They’re good, and they run to the ball. They’re physical.”

Lamichael Fanning was supposed to anchor the Callaway defensive front line this season, but the junior transferred to Auburn High.

That left an opening on the line, and Sutton has stepped in and filled it admirably.

“He’s physical, and he wants to win,” Wiggins said. “He’s all about his teammates. We have a family atmosphere here, and he’s a big part of that.

“He’s a smart guy with with a good attitude. That goes a long way.”

Sutton said the transition to defense wasn’t difficult since he was a defensive player in middle school before becoming an offensive lineman in high school.

“I’ve always played defense, so it came naturally,” he said. “I love hitting, so I’m excited about playing defense this year.”

Sutton brings passion and enthusiasm to the field, and that’s what Wiggins appreciates about him more than anything.

Sutton, Wiggins said, is not a guy that requires any outside motivation.

“Golden, I’ve got him in weight training third period, and he comes to work every day,” Wiggins said. “Whatever lift we’re doing, or running, or whatever, he works hard.”

Sutton is also a standout wrestler for the Cavs, and he participates in track and field.

For the moment, all Sutton is thinking about is football and helping the Cavs win another Region 5-AA title and make an extended playoff run.

A year ago, Callaway made it to the second round of the state playoffs.

“I really feel like every game, somebody is stepping up. I’m excited about it,” Sutton said. “I feel like we can do a lot this year. I think we’re looking better than we were last year.”

Whatever happens this season, Sutton’s family will be there to watch him.

His parents are regulars on game nights, including his little brother Brandon, an eighth-grader at Callaway  Middle School.

Golden, by the way, is a family name, passed down from grandfather, to father, and now to the youngest Golden.

“I always hear (my parents) up in the stands talking my ears off,” Sutton said.

Beyond high school, Sutton would like to play college football one day, but it’s not something he gives a lot of thought to.

There is, after all, plenty to keep his attention at the moment, including Friday’s showdown at Lamar County for first place in the region.

“I’m just trying to focus on this season, trying to play hard,” he said. “(College will) come.”