Franklin Co. end makes tackles

Published 5:00 am Tuesday, September 10, 2002

MEADVILLE – On defense, you can’t find a better end thanFranklin County’s Donald Ray Smith. In the Meadville-based Bulldogs26-12 win over the Bogue Chitto Bobcats last Friday, Smith made hispresence known to the visitors.

The 6-foot, 170-pound senior made 11 tackles, collected threesacks and made two pass deflections to lead the Bulldog defense asthey avenged last year’s setback.

For his accomplishments, Smith has been named the DailyLeader Defensive Player of the Week for the second week of the 2002football season. Smith also plays on the special teams.

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“It was a good beginning for us,” said Smith of winningtheir second game of the season. “We had too many mistakes. We’retrying to stop them the best we can. We’ll practice hard to getready for Loyd Star.”

Last week against Bogue Chitto, Smith said players werebothered with cramps in the second half.

“We had a lot of cramps and stuff,” explained Smith. “We’regoing to work harder this week. We’ll work on our offense. Theywore out in the second half. We want to get all of our players intip-top shape. We want to play four whole quarters.”

Franklin County goes into Friday’s game under new headfootball coach Anthony Hart. Hart is the former Loyd Star headcoach.

“Loyd Star beat us last year,” said Smith. “We want to beatthem there.”

Smith is part of a four-man defensive front. Also workingwith Smith are senior Josh Bradford at end, senior Jason Wyatt atguard and senior Hardy Fox at tackle. Wyatt had a big night againstthe Bobcats with 11 tackles, one deflection and one fumblerecovery.

According to Smith, his responsibility as an end is to breakdown the contingency and go to the ball.

Hart is impressed with Smith’s hard-nosed playing style. “Heis very aggressive. He does what he is supposed to do. He playsextremely hard. You’ll never accuse him of not playing full speed.He’s an intense guy and very outspoken.”

Smith has enjoyed his first season with Hart. During hisjunior year, he played for former Bulldog head coach Michael Goffwho retired last winter and is now full time athleticdirector.

“He’s pretty good,” smiled Smith about Hart. “He coachesboth offense and defense. He has helped the team a lot.

“He gives us a a lot of respect,” continued Smith. “We runand life weights a lot. He helps us to be strong. He makes usresponsible for our actions.”

Smith also plays other sports at Franklin County. He’s onthe powerlifting team and the boys track team. In weightlifting, heclaimed first place in the 181- pound division.

Smith bench presses 250 pounds and deadlifts 485pounds.

Smith is also a member of the Bulldog track team’s 400 and800-meter relay squads. “We had a first place in the state in the800.” He said the 400 meter team also did well.

“I would really like to play college football,” Smithstated. He is undecided on a major.

Smith’s favorite college football team is Miami (Fla.). Inthe pros, he likes the Denver Broncos and the St. LouisRams.

In his spare time, Smith likes to get together withneighborhood friends and play football or basketball.

“My brother Tommy inspired me a lot,” added Smith.

Smith added, “I want to support the team the best I can. Ifit weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.”