Thursday, March 28, 2024

In third year, Smith leading Hornets receiving corps

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Trevor Smith is no stranger to the lights of Friday night. For two seasons, he has shined in his role in big games from Gatesville to San Angelo to Hillsboro and back.

In the 2020 season finale, he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke Mullins en route to a 46-37 win over Pecos in San Angelo. The game was a late addition to the schedule after the Hornets’ playoff game against Carthage was canceled due to COVID-19.

In 2021, en route to an all-district selection, Smith was a major factor in two particular Hornet battles.

First, he teamed up with quarterback Wesley Brown for six catches, 69 yards and a touchdown in a 40-6 rout of Hillsboro.

Then, in the Hornets’ stirring, near-comeback against Connally last season, Smith had six pass receptions for 28 yards and a score. But it was one of his scores that didn’t count that Hornet fans have committed to memory.

Down 47-45, Smith was on the receiving end of a clear game-tying two-point conversion that was ruled short of the goal line by the officials. Following the game, Smith was adamant that he was in the end zone. That was later confirmed by numerous photos and video.

“That was tough,’’ said Smith after the game. “I was in, the zebras got it wrong.”

It’s no coincidence that when the Hornets put up big offensive numbers, Smith plays a big part.

With those experiences on his resume, it’s no coincidence that through two games of the 2022 season, he’s emerged as Jacob Newkirk’s most trusted – and explosive – passing target.

In the season-opening 22-21 win over Taylor, he had five catches for 37 yards and the Hornets’ first score of the season. It was also the first touchdown pass of Newkirk’s varsity career and seemed to ease the nerves of the junior signal-caller.

In Friday’s 48-14 loss to Glen Rose, Smith had the best night of his three varsity seasons with nine catches, 110 yards and a touchdown. It was his first-ever 100-yard receiving game.

It was also a potential sign of things to come for the Hornets’ offense.

“Newkirk has settled in very well with our team and especially with me. The guy can throw on a dime and our relationship on the field grew during 7-on-7,” Smith said.

Through two games, Smith has caught nearly half (14) of Newkirk’s 36 pass completions. He’s averaging 10.5 yards per catch.

But when asked about how the game has changed since he was a sophomore in 2020, he points more to his role as a teammate than he does his development as a playmaker.

“I’ve realized that the game of football isn’t just about myself,” he said “My sophomore year I was always worried about my own stats and health. Now I just want to go play for my teammates and lay all my effort out on the field.”

Those efforts – and stats — have helped lead the Hornets to one win so far this season. Should they continue, Hornet fans can expect quite a few more.