SMITHVILLE − We all need a little inspiration at times, right?
No better time to get it than in on a huge occasion or big situation.
Smithville junior linebacker Zach Lanneaux caught a little of that inspiration before Smithville’s major Division VI clash with Hillsdale in a matchup between two 4-0 state-ranked teams. He used that on maybe the biggest defense play of the game.
With Smithville up by seven points in the third quarter and Hillsdale’s offense facing a 4th and 1 on the 47-yard line with 7:30 minutes, Falcons quarterback Kael Lewis received the snap in the shotgun and kept it on a QB keep. Getting to the quarterback rapidly to prevent that one-yard was Lanneaux, who charged at Lewis and made a key tackle stop Hillsdale’s first offensive drive of the second half and give the ball back to Smithville’s offense.
Two plays later, Smithville quarterback Brady Sidle ran for a touchdown on an option to push the Smithies lead to 14, which Smithville (5-0) would eventually go on to win 28-14 at home over two-time Division VII state runners-up Hillsdale (4-1).
WDR Week 5 Football Preview | What to look for in Hillsdale-Smithville WCAL Showdown
Where did Lanneaux’s inspiration come from on that play?
One of the greatest linebackers in NFL history in Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis.
“I’m gonna be honest, I was watching Ray Lewis highlights before the game,” said Lanneaux, after taking a photo with some of his teammates after the victory. “I saw that exact same play on the video and I knew it was coming. Kael pulled it. I seen it coming and I knew I had to get him.”
jamessimpson@gannett.com
Twitter/X: @JamesSimpsonII
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Statement Made! In undefeated WCAL clash, Smithville roughs up Hillsdale in Div. VI state-ranked win
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
