4A high school football playoffs: Anthony Smithson expects to excel

SALT LAKE CITY — There is no question for Anthony Smithson exactly what his role in Highland's triple option offense entails.

Smithson knows if the Rams succeed in moving the ball and scoring the points the team needs, he needs to make big plays quickly and he needs to make such plays in large quantities.

As far as Smithson is concerned, his coaches and teammates expect nothing less.

"They expect me to run it the way it should be ran," Smithson said. "Run first and then pass if we have to. And just run it good. Make plays when they come."

Smithson definitely has a knack for making plays. Since taking over as the starting quarterback in Week 6 against Stansbury, the junior has helped Highland's offense evolve into something equal parts potent and dangerous.

In just nine games, Smithson has completed 60-of-99 passes for 1,467 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 648 yards and eight touchdowns on 114 carries in that span.

Highland coach Brody Benson said that Smithson is the sort of player that fosters belief from his teammates. When he calls a play, they believe he is going to make that play work.

Generating such confidence has allowed him to progress as a team leader during the course of the season.

"You want the quarterback, obviously, to command your huddle," Benson said. "That's definitely happened over the past few weeks."

Smithson earned a shot at directing the offense after an injury to senior quarterback Colby Earl led to him earning the start at Stansbury. Smithson enjoyed a fantastic debut. He completed 6-of-7 passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 61 yards and another TD on seven carries to lead the Rams to a 42-14 victory.

From there on, he has grown progressively more productive each week and has hit his peak during the playoffs.

Smithson had his best game as a passer when he threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns while completing 14-of-18 passes in a 35-21 first round victory over Box Elder. He followed up with his best rushing performance against Springville, when he rushed for 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just nine carries in a 46-21 semifinal victory over the Red Devils.

Smithson feels like his ability to run and pass equally well is his greatest weapon against other teams. It works well with his ability to pick apart a defense and exploit whatever weakness he finds.