For Latch Smith, some of the best memories on the football field go back to when he was just a freshman. “Freshman year, I had a game-winning sack to win the first round of the playoffs and get our school’s first ever win against a private school which was Holland Hall,” he recalled.
Now a senior at Stigler, Smith is building on that legacy with some big goals for his final season. “My personal goals are 75 tackles and All-State defensive lineman,” he said. At 6’1 and 265 pounds, he’s already proving to be a dominant force, racking up 21 tackles through just three games this year after posting 50 tackles and 7 sacks last season.
Part of that success comes from preparation. “Hydrating throughout the whole week and making sure that I’m lifting and stretching throughout the week to stay healthy,” Smith explained. “I just try to give it my all on every play and when I make a mistake, I just move onto the next play.”
He’s also proud of the strides his team has made this season. “Our defense has made a lot of improvements,” Smith said. “Our O-line has also gotten a lot better this year.” That growth has strengthened the team’s main objective. “Our main goal is making the playoffs,” he said. “We are taking it week by week and are just trying to get better every day.”
According to Smith, the defensive line has been the team’s biggest asset. “Our defensive line has been really, really good this year,” he said. And their brotherhood makes a big difference. “We have a great brotherhood. We are all pretty close so that helps us stay together through adversity.”
Whether he’s lining up at right tackle or defensive end, Smith’s focus stays sharp. “I try to predict what the linebackers are gonna do and if they’ll blitz or if the linemen will stunt,” he said.
As his senior year continues, Smith hopes to leave behind more than numbers. “I want people to remember me as a great football player but also as a great leader and someone they could count on.”
Looking ahead, Smith has clear plans. “Go play college football while obtaining my degree in criminal justice,” he said.
