When starting quarterback Justin Whatley went down beforehalftime, senior split end Derek Smith took over the reins for theLoyd Star Hornets Friday night. Smith kept the offense runningsmoothly but made the play of the game while on defense.

Smith, playing free safety on defense, broke up a Hinds AHSAustin Divinity pass on fourth down with 1:19 left in the game tohelp Loyd Star capture the Region 6-2A title with a hard-fought16-14 win over the improved War Dawgs.

For his accomplishments, Smith has been named The DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player of they Week for the ninth week of the 2003football season. Smith (5-8, 155) directed the Hornet defense with13 tackles.

“It feels good,” said Smith. “I want to thank God for theopportunity to have an injury-free season. I did what I wastaught.”

Smith runs a 40 in 4.6 In the weight room, he bench presses 230pounds, squats 300 pounds and dead lifts 330 pounds.

“He (Smith) is a good kid,” said Loyd Star head football coachSidney Wheatley. “He loves to practice and play. He plays with alinebacker mentality. He is always around the football. He likes totackle.”

Wheatley was also appreciative of Smith coming into the game andplaying quarterback for nearly 3 quarters Friday night. “I thoughthe showed a lot of poise playing quarterback.”

Smith talked about the final defensive play for the Hornets inwinning the region title from Hinds AHS last Friday. “He (Divinity)would roll out and run it (football). This time, I went back andsaw him come back out. He threw it. I jumped up and hit the ball.When I got up, the ball was on the ground. I thank God for theopportunity.”

Smith talked about playing free safety. “I play the pass first,”he explained. “When I see it is a run, I go with the runner. We arewell-coached and well-prepared.”

Smith named his defensive teammates. They include linebackersMatthew Delaughter, Michael Britt and Duane Britt; ends Josh Reedand Barry Roberts; tackles Corey Charpentier, Shawn Broxson andJustin Russell; strong safety Will Hill and cornerbacks JoshTownsend and Juron Collins.

Smith had his explanation for the difference between the 2002defense and this year’s team. “Our defense is real intense. We takeit too them. Our defense isn’t afraid of hitting. And we’re quick.We want to make tackles. We play together with a lot of heart.”

McLaurin invades William E. “Sambo” Smith Field Friday night.Smith and his teammates aren’t looking past them to the playoffs.The Hornets are 9-0 and will host an opening round state playoffgame Nov. 7.

“We have to do what we’ve been doing all year,” stated Smith.”Hit them in the mouth. We have to play mistake-free football.”

Smith’s favorite class subject is history.

“I love hunting and fishing,” stated Smith. “I spend a lot oftime with my family and friends.”

His favorite college football team is Florida State.

The Dallas Cowboys are his favorite NFL team and safety JohnLynch of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is his favorite player.

I want to thank my coaches and teammates,” added Smith. “Andthank the fans for supporting us.”