With Super Bowl 50 coming up this Sunday, Carolinians and Wackos alike have contracted Panther Fever. The 17-1 NFC Champion Panthers are set to take on the 14-4 AFC Champion Denver Broncos on February 7, 2016 in what will be the first major sports championship featuring a North Carolina team since 2006.

Leading the Panthers playing quarterback is Cam Newton, who is also the favorite to win the NFL MVP, and is admired by Wackos of all Ages.

“If I met Cam Newton, I would definitely thank him for getting my favorite team to the Super Bowl,” said junior, Grace White. “I admire the way he has fun and does things, like giving children the ball after a touchdown.”

Students aren’t the only ones at Wakefield cheering on Cam Newton.

“I like when Newton hands the ball to young Panthers fans after he scores a touchdown,” said math teacher, Diane Roof. “It’s a great way of giving back to the community and I commend that.”

Cam Newton has also induced a “Dab” frenzy at Wakefield. The infamous dance move is performed by Newton after scoring a touch down and spread like wildfire around the world.

Junior Reeves Felton claims to have contracted “Dabbing Fever” from the successful Panthers. Felton admits to having a bit of trouble resisting the temptation to perform the controversial dance move.

“The Dab is a really addicting dance move,” said Felton. “It’s like what they say with smoking, you try it a few times and you become addicted. My friends make fun of me but I don’t mind as long as the Panthers keep winning. I think I do it in my sleep as well.”

Chestnutt also started to grow a liking to the touchdown celebration after watching Newton perform it after scoring on the field.

“I like how Cam is animated and has swagger because it gets the team and fans hyped up,” said senior, Parker Chestnutt. “Cam didn’t invent the dab but he made it world wide throughout all sports, and kids all ages do it as a celebration dance.”

According to many Wackos, preparation for the Super Bowl begins weeks before the game is played. Some pre-game rituals are crucial to the success of the Panthers.

“Making plans and saving money to buy some game day necessities are necessary,” said Chestnutt. “I tweet #KeepPounding before every game and wear my Cam Newton jersey.”

While Chestnutt’s approach might be seen as normal from a fan, others have very much more intense and serious ways to prepare for the game.

“I am preparing myself mentally, mostly by meditating,” said science teacher, Russell Williams. “I will wear my decade old Panthers jersey, and I will eat my approximate body weight in chicken wings during the game.”

As well as having a Dab fetish, Felton also has a different approach to his pregame superstitions.

“Before every game I paint my miniature footballs Carolina blue,” said Felton. “I’ve done it before every game this year and I think it works because we’ve had such a great season.”

Whether you are a hard-core Panthers fans or not, it’s safe to say Wakefield has a strong support for the home state team. Hopes are extremely high for this Sunday’s competition.

“I am not a big Panthers fan but I am cheering them on to victory because they are my home state team,” said math teacher, Felisa Kelly. “I know they’ll bring home the win.”

This Sunday, the high expectations of these fans will be tested. Regardless of winning or losing, the Panthers will always have a great fan base in North Carolina and Wakefield.

“It’s sweet for the panthers to be in the super bowl,” said Chestnutt. “The majority of people in this state are cheering and supporting the Panthers so it would be awesome for this state to win its first Super Bowl.”