FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Smothers leading Spring Creek through passing game

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on September 23, 2016 9:59 AM

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bcoley@newsargus.com

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Aaron Sanders is now in his ninth year at the helm of the Spring Creek football program. And he's never quite had a passing attack like he does in 2016.

This season, Sanders handed the keys of the offense to Landon Smothers. The sophomore has used the opportunity to post eye-opening numbers.

In the first five games as the Gators' starting quarterback, Smothers has thrown for 877 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. His completion percentage hovers around 56 percent.

The air-raid offense is a huge transition from a year ago. Last season, Jessie Casper -- who now serves as an all-purpose back -- passed for 841 yards and seven TDs. He attempted 103 passes, while Smothers has already attempted 112 this season.

"(Smothers) is in the process of maturing," Sanders said. "He has done a very good job for us. He's excellent at distributing the ball and getting the ball spread around to different receivers. And he does a good job of running the offense for us."

True to Sanders' word, Smothers has completed at least one pass to seven different receivers this season.

Junior Jamerion Dawson and senior Najee Young have seen the most action. Dawson has accumulated 24 receptions for 309 yards and five TDs. Meanwhile, Young has tallied 21 receptions for 314 yards and six TDs.

However, with Smothers averaging 22 attempts per game, the running game has taken a back seat. Jessie Casper leads the team with just 19 rushing attempts.

"I definitely think that's something we struggle with at times," Sanders said. "And that's something we're continuing to develop -- that running game. Some of that's predicated on how well you're offensive line is blocking for the run and what the defense is trying to take away from you."

Tonight, Smothers and the Gators' offense will be pitted against Lakewood's defense, which has allowed just 12.4 points per game.

Sanders said that the Leopards (3-2 overall) are athletic at almost every position, and that the Gator wideouts will have true challenges against their skilled secondary.

For Smothers, the message is clear -- go through your progressions, and make a swift, but smart decision.

"From what we've seen on film, Lakewood will be active as far as bringing pressure from different areas," Sanders said. "We've just been talking to (Smothers) about getting the ball out quickly or going ahead and going down before he takes a big hit."

Sanders said learning when to throw the ball away and making instinctive moves when the play breaks down are skills that the coaching staff is continuing to teach the young quarterback.

But the veteran head coach believes Smothers' confidence has grown inside the pocket.

And so have his abilities as a leader.

"(Smothers) by nature is a very quiet person," Sanders said. "He doesn't say a whole lot. He's somebody who leads by example. So when you're dealing with someone who doesn't say a whole lot, when they do speak, it carries more weight."