POSITIVE STEP; Owls soar to first victory at 3-2A rival Trousdale, balanced offensive attack; stout defense on display
By Terry Collins Courier Sports
HARTSVILLE — The Smith County High Owls football team traveled to Hartsville last Friday night to renew an old rivalry. Both teams had struggled to start the 2024 season as the Owls were 0-4 while the Yellow Jackets were 1-3 with a forfeit.
Both teams had struggled offensively with Trousdale Co. only scoring six points in three on-the -field games while the Owls had scored only 30 in their four contests.
The young Smith Co. squad seized control in the first half by scoring on all five possessions in cruising to a 42-7 victory over Trousdale Co.
“I am really proud of our players and coaches,” said Smith County High head coach Matt Dyer. “Coach (Kyle) Gregory and his staff are doing a great job with their team, they are young and inexperienced but they have been getting better each week. This was a big region win for us. Our goal each week is to go 1-0 and block everything else out — just play hard and compete to the best of our ability. We executed very well and had zero turnovers and only two penalties.”
Sophomore quarterback Riley Martin was 10-of-12 in the air for 194 yards and four touchdowns to lead an Owls offense that had 304 first half yards.
Martin had six receivers with a catch in the game as Jaeden Evans led the Owls’ rushing attack with 11 carries for 72 yards and a score. Martin also used his legs to gain 50 yards on nine attempts.
“We scored on every possession we had except the very last play of the game,” said Dyer. “We got to get all of our players in the game, and that is always fun when you get to watch your young guys play in a varsity game. Riley did a great job of throwing the ball and spreading it around. We had five different guys score and that is always a positive when you can get multiple guys involved and be effective. Jaeden Evans ran the ball well and our line did a pretty good job of creating some run lanes.”
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