Smith shows he can play at next level
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 3, 2007
SOUTH POINT — It looks like Marshall coach Mark Snyder does recognize talent.
Marshall recruit Chris Smith turned in a stellar performance Saturday night at the 62nd annual Ohio High School Football Coaches North/South All-Star Classic sponsored by Grange Insurance.
The former South Point quarterback proved he could play at a higher level as he completed 5-of-6 passing for 111 yards and two touchdowns as the South belted the North 50-7.
“It made me feel good about what I’m going into. I’m ahead of where people think I am. These guys in this game aren’t near the competition I’m going to be up against, but they’re pretty good,” said Smith.
One pass was a 29-yard scoring strike to MVP Chris Givens of Chillicothe who has signed with Miami (OH) and the other TD was a 27-yarder to Hilliard Davidson’s Bo Delande who plans to walk-on at Ohio State.
Besides the offensive showing, the South defense forced five turnovers including three interceptions returned for touchdowns.
“Our defense was really good and Chris Givens is amazing,” said Smith.
“The first play of the game I stood in the pocket and took a shot, but I threw a post pass to Givens.”
For his efforts, Smith was voted the South team’s Offensive Player of the Game.
“I’m excited I got the offensive player of the game,” said Smith.
Smith said the talent level of the game was impressive.
“It was pretty much what I expected. I just went out and had fun and had a big game,” Smith said.
“I thought the North was going to be pretty good. They had a lot of guys going Ohio State and other D-I players.”
The 43-point difference is the largest margin of victory in the series. The previous record was a 32-0 win by the North in 1982.
Despite the win, the South trails in the series 36-23-3.