Dawes takes on world

Adwela Dawes knows it's a tough road. The National Football League doesn't take just anybody. Sometimes, it's as much luck as talent.

Dawes doesn't play on Sunday. He doesn't have the seven-figure contract or the endorsement deals.

But the former CCHS player knows that he's one of the lucky ones. He's playing the game he loves.

"Throughout my whole career, all I've done is beat odds," Dawes said. "So I'm truly blessed to continue playing."

Now Dawes, who has played for several minor league and arena football teams over the past few years, has another opportunity. He's been invited to play a Canadian team as a part of Team USA.

He'll head to Las Vegas in December for a week of two-a-day practices with his new teammates. Then, on Dec. 8, he'll play in the international game.

"It's always an honor to represent your country," Dawes said. "That's the highest honor I could achieve."

Dawes is addicted to football. He played for the Blue Devils when they won the state title in 1999. He's played for teams in Texas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. He plays whenever he can, wherever he can.

He's worked as an assistant coach at CCHS and he's done some front-office marketing work with several of the teams for which he's played. For him, football is more than a career. It's a lifestyle.

"I love this game. I really do," Dawes said. "There's nothing I'd rather be doing."

Dawes heads to training camp with the Bethlehem (Pa.) Outlaws this weekend, in preparation for the spring season.
It will be his second stint with the Outlaws. Last spring, he flew from Texas, where he was playing arena football, to join the team. When he arrived in Pennsylvania, he realized his bags hadn't made the flight with him. On his first day of practice, all he had were the clothes on his back.

"Luckily it was a professional organization, so they had everything I needed, but I was sitting around the house pretty uncomfortable," Dawes said.

Things worked out in the end, though. After trying out for the team on a Thursday and being told not to expect much playing time, he ended up making the game-clinching interception that Saturday.

Dawes will train in Culpeper between now and December, preparing for his chance to represent his country. But because Team USA is an amateur team, the athletes are forced to absorb a lot of expenses themselves. Dawes hopes to find corporate sponsors to help cover some of his costs.

The game against Canada in December is just the first opportunity for Dawes to continue his playing career with Team USA. He will stay an active member of the roster until he is replaced or retires, so he will be eligible for other international competitions the team travels to.

In the end, its just another chance for Dawes to continue playing the game he loves. He's traveled the country chasing his dreams, but says his heart stays in Culpeper no matter where he goes.

"Without the help of a lot of people in this community, I wouldn't be where I am," he said.

Jason Simcoe can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 166 or