Park View's football team celebrating after defeating Horton 28-24 in the Nova Scotia Division II Football final. Photo: PVEC Football Team/Facebook.
Park View Education Centre is celebrating another provincial football championship after rallying from a 14-point deficit to defeat Horton High School in the Nova Scotia Division 2 final this past weekend.
Head coach James Buto said the team went into halftime down 17–3 but never lost belief. “We reminded them they had 24 minutes to decide how they wanted the season to end,” Buto said. “Not just win or lose, but the effort, the execution, and the legacy they wanted to leave.”
The Panthers responded with a dominant second half, outscoring Horton 25–7 to secure a 28–24 victory.
Buto credited both older players and younger starters for pushing through a season that included injuries, close games, and a mid-season reset.
“We were young in some big spots,” he said. “But our Grade 12s stabilized things and the Grade 10s caught up fast. By the end of the year it all came together.”
Park View’s run included wins over Dartmouth and Sydney in the playoffs, building momentum after taking a late-season break to rest veterans. Buto said that decision paid off.
“Once we got healthy, we found our stride. The boys really bought in,” he said.
The coach also highlighted the role of volunteers and families, noting the program relies heavily on community support for travel, home-game operations and field preparation.
“Quite honestly, the program wouldn’t run without them,” he said. “They’re as important as anyone on the field.”
Buto credited a group of team captains — Aiden Buto, Gary Jefferson, Maddox Beck, Gabe Duffney and Hazen Western — as well as standout underclassmen Cyrus Smith and Jaden Fleck for leadership and strong seasons.
With several key players returning and strong talent expected from the local bantam program, preparations for next season are already underway.
“We’re excited about the guys coming back,” Buto said. “We’ll look to start an off-season lifting program and build on this culture. Hard work is what gets you here.”
This marks Park View’s third provincial title in five years, including Division 2 championships in 2021 and 2025, and a Division 3 title in 2022.
