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Hernando Today

Life in the Trenches

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

Leopard senior George Smith is expected to play on offense, defense and special teams this fall.

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: September 4, 2008

Updated: 09/04/2008 08:57 am

One of the most pivotal players for this year's Hernando High football team, George Pilly Smith Jr., is also one of the least known commodities.
Okay, every one knows he drives a white 1968 Ford Mustang.
But Maytag repairmen are better known than Smith.
So why the obscurity?
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Smith performs where games are won and lost -- in the critical trenches.
 
Smith 101
 
George, 17, is the oldest of three children to Brooksville's George Sr. and Karen Smith.
Smith was born and raised in Brooksville and is expected to start at right guard, defensive end and as long snapper on special teams.
Like teammate Josh Ross, he played one year of middle school ball  -- as an eighth-grader in 2004 with Parrott Middle School.
Before that, he played for five years at Hernando Youth League under Head Coach Scott Lane.
Once he matriculated to Hernando High, he played junior varsity football as a freshman and lettered the past two years on the varsity level.
So far, he's also wrestled for parts of three years. He went 6-5 last winter with five pins behind State qualifier James Davidson.
As one of 14 HHS seniors, how does he compare Head Coach John Palmer to his predecessors?
"Coach Palmer is old school," compared Smith. "He knows what it takes to win at this level. It's all about performing at your best. He tries to bring out the best in every one of us. What he doesn't do is demean anybody front of anyone."
And the terminology?
"Things are a lot different than say last year with Coach Byrd," added Smith. "Coach has everything timed out and scheduled. But we'll work on something until we get it right. That's his style."
 
Evaluating South Sumter
 
How valuable was the 42-0 spanking at South Sumter? What did the team learn?
"We were not crisp against South Sumter," lamented Smith. "So it was a good opportunity to find out some things. We made some mental mistakes. Remember for a lot of the new guys they hadn't faced a team that big before. I think we learned a lot. I know I did."
What about defending against the Red Raiders' no huddle?
"One thing about the no huddle, I don't care what kind of shape you're in, you're gonna get tired," admitted Smith. "I think this game showed which guys could play better in game conditions from others. The thing about South Sumter is it's tough playing a team that is three-deep in every position."
How did the seniors react to exhibition game setback?
"We knew coming in how tough it would be," said Smith. "Personally, I'm glad we played such a tough team. I think you learn more against good opponents. You could see the difference in practice."
What does line coach Joe McLain emphasize?
"Coach McLain and Coach (Walt) Truzack emphasize technique and speed, so that's what I'm working on," said Smith.
 
What's the defensive outlook?
 
HHS permitted 27 points per game, but graduated perhaps their two best defenders in Taylor Rotunda and Nick Pauliot. How is the new defensive unit coming along?
"No doubt, Rotunda and Pauliot are two big holes to fill," said Smith. "But we've got some linebackers that can lay the wood. Everybody just needs to do their job."
How pivotal is week 1 against Central?
"It all starts in practice, everybody has to hit hard," Smith said. "Intensity will play a big factor."
What are George's seasonal goals?
"My dream is to go to USF, but I'd really love to play football in state somewhere," replied Smith, who carries a 3.0 grade point average. "My goals are to be a leader and go full tilt every day, every play."
Who is Smith's inspiration?
"Without a doubt, Coach Lane has done the most in my development as a football player," said Smith. "He's the type of guy who is not afraid of getting in anyone's face. I would not be the football player I am right now without him pushing me as hard as he did."
 

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.

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