The standard for Maden Smith entering his senior season at Gore High School was set early and never wavered. “My goals for the season were to win our district and make it to the playoffs,” Smith said, a mindset that guided the Pirates throughout the year.
That belief was reinforced by the makeup of the team itself. “Our team morale started off really strong,” Smith said. “We were starting the year with seven seniors; five of which had been playing together for our whole high school career. We knew if we stood together and played football we had a lot of potential.” That unity allowed Gore to stay focused even as roles evolved during the season.
One of the biggest changes came with a key addition. “Our biggest improvement for the season was having Nick Ecklund join the team and step up as our kicker,” Smith said. “He didn’t just fill a void in the position, but he stepped up and played receiver and was part of special teams on both sides of the ball.” That versatility helped the Pirates chase their offensive goals. “Our goal this year was to get 4 yards per carry and win some football games,” Smith said. “We pushed to achieve our goals by moving Zac Comer to the offensive line in the beginning with good backs like Tate Brooksher, Blaydin McCartney and Devon Mannon.”
Physicality defined Gore’s identity. “The Pirate’s biggest strength was we were a tough group and were going to hit you in the mouth regardless,” Smith said. His own responsibilities reflected that edge. “I started the season as left tackle on offense and strong nose on defense,” he said. “We lost our center, so they moved me back to center where I have played most of my career. I stayed as the strong nose on defense.”
Smith’s football IQ shows up before the snap. “When reading a defense, I look to see if they are in a bear front, a three man front or a four-man front,” he said. “I am also look to see what d-lineman I’m hitting and what linebacker I’m going to.”
Once the lights came on, the focus narrowed. “The moment I stepped on the field, my mind was on my job, my teammates’ jobs and hitting someone,” Smith said. His legacy matters just as much. “I want my legacy at Gore to be that I was a good football player,” he said. He also believes much went unseen. “Outsiders and fans probably didn’t realize the quality of a coaching staff that we had, how hard we worked and how much I cared,” Smith said.
Maden Smith competes in football, powerlifting and track. Looking ahead, his future stays tied to the game. “After high school, I plan to attend college and get my coaching degree to be a football coach,” Smith said.
