Smith lugs Stallions to victory
Chuck Carree Staff Writer
The term workhorse certainly applies to South Columbus senior Tony Smith.
In Friday night's 37-8 victory over Graham in the 2A high school football playoffs, he carried 39 times for 311 yards and scored three touchdowns.
His offense alone was enough to earn him Star-News Player of the Week.
He did more than run the ball. As a defensive lineman, he played virtually every snap and played on all three of the Stallions' special teams.
"He may be the best football player I have ever coached pound for pound,'' South Columbus coach Joey Price said.
Smith scored the game-winning touchdown in a 6-3 game against Loris (S.C.) earlier this season. It was an 11-yard run with 3:30 remaining.
Smith is only 5-foot-6, 170 pounds. His brothers James and Marcus Smith also played for the Stallions.
"He is a super kid, who comes from a family of great football players,'' Price said.
Tony Smith relies on strength and stamina to excel.
He bench presses 335 pounds, but holds the school record in the hang clean with 350 pounds. He also squat lifts 500 pounds.
"It ain't nothing I have done to teach it,'' Price said. "It is a little bit of work and genetics.''