"I felt confident going into the game," said Smith. "We had just come off a bad loss but we had a good week of practice."

The Panthers (2-1) rebounded from a 34-0 setback at Clinton, their first shutout since 2005.

A big momentum-changer took place early in the third quarter. Lawrence County had just scored to tie the game 14-all. The Cougars used a short, pooch kickoff and Smith gathered in the football at his 29-yard line.

Smith returned the kickoff 57 yards to the LCHS 14. On first down, quarterback Duwone Harris scored the go-ahead TD and the Cougars never recovered.

"When I got the ball on that kick return, I saw the middle of the field wide open, so I just took it," Smith recalled. "I felt pretty good."

A running back is only as good as his offensive line. Smith gave credit to the men up front.

Working in Brook's offensive line are Sam Ballard at tackle, Mitch Case at center, Derrick Henderson at tackle, and Tameus Hooker and Will Furr at guard and Nick Peavey at tight end.

"They're a valuable group," said Smith. "They make me successful."

According to Smith, Harris is steadily maturing at quarterback. "Duwone is a first-year quarterback but he gets better every game. He has good athletic ability and that makes up for small mistakes. We work good together."

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said Smith has shown senior leadership. "All-around, Semmie is doing a better job as a player. He ran the ball hard against Lawrence County. He has become a better blocker."

Last season as a junior, Smith rushed for 1,050 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning All-Lincoln County and All-Region honors. He also caught 6 passes for 19 yards as the Panthers advanced to the second round of the Class 4A state play offs.

"We have talent, speed and good skill players on our team this year," said Smith. "It's up to us and what we do with it."

He is the 17-year-old son of Semmie and Kathleen Smith. He has an older brother, Mario (Smoke) Smith, a West Point graduate who started at safety for the Cadets. He's currently working in corporate business and living in Kentucky.

Smith said he plans to play football on the next level. "I want to play football in college. I've received a lot of offers but I really want to keep it (options) open right now."

Asked about career plans, Smith said he interested in criminal law and a career in forensics.

Smith plans to run track in the spring: the 200 and 400-meter dashes, and the 4x200 relay. In his spare time, he enjoys watching TV.

His favorite NFL player is San Diego running back LaDanian Tomlinson.