Carolina Panther and Westlake High Alum Cam Newton Super Bowl Bound

ATLANTA - Long before Carolina Panther Cam Newton made his mark in the NFL, the Westlake High School Alum's mighty roar echoed through the halls of Westlake High School in south Fulton County.

Students pass Newton's framed football jersey as they walk to class. The school retired his number in tribute to the pro-baller's extraordinary talents exhibited during his high school career.

"He came up and once he started that game Cam Newton never looked back,” said Mays High School Football Coach Dallas Allen.

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Allen was Newton's coach at Westlake back then and always knew he had the makings of a great pro-athlete.

"Cam, one of the things that set him apart was his athletic ability. Where it took a lot of kids a long time and they had to work hard. Cam had it natural, it didn't take him long to catch on and it didn't take him long to excel," said Allen.

Coach Allen is confident Newton will shine on Super Bowl Sunday.

"Even when I was coaching him I was excited to see him play. I always knew with Cam Newton on the field we had a chance to win, and he still has that same resilience."

Cam Newton and his Carolina Panthers will take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Feb. 7. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. on CBS.