Kentridge High quarterback Caleb Smith has started just two games at the varsity level in his life.
Yet, the sophomore already is looking like a veteran. As much was evident Friday night at French Field, when Smith guided the Chargers to a convincing 41-7 South Puget Sound League North Division win over Thomas Jefferson.
Smith connected on 5 of 9 passes for 170 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown pass to all-league wide receiver Jason Didis in the opening quarter that gave the Chargers an immediate offensive spark.
“He seems to be pretty poised,” said Kentridge coach Marty Osborn. “We’ve been really impressed with his composure and he does a really nice job executing the offense. That (touchdown pass) really got us going because (Jefferson) came out tough with some NFL-sized lineman. Then Caleb laced one into Didis, who took it to the house.”
Kentridge (2-0) bolted out to a 34-0 third-quarter lead on Smith’s touchdown pass, a 16-yard run by Cameron McKernan, a 3-yard score by Alex Tyson and a pair of rushing touchdowns by senior Devin Topps. The Chargers added one more score in the fourth quarter, a 37-yard run from Alec McKenzie after TJ’s lone touchdown of the game, to put the Raiders (0-2) away.
But Friday night was hardly the all-Smith show. For the second consecutive week, the Kentridge defense played nearly flawless, forcing four turnovers – three fumbles and an interception. Senior defensive back Brandon Reiter, who was the team’s quarterback last season, came away with two of those fumble recoveries.
“So far so good,” Osborn said of his team’s quick start. “The kids have come out and played well pretty much all three phases – offense, defense and special teams – have come together.”
Indeed. Because in two games combined, Kentridge has outscored its opponents 75-14. In addition, Kentridge’s first-string defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown yet.
“(On defense) we’ve given up a couple long passes that we’d like to shore up, but the kids have done a good job of putting heat on the quarterback,” Osborn noted.
The Chargers will receive its biggest test of the early season on Friday, when it travels to Federal Way (0-1 in league, 1-1 overall). The Eagles were considered a contender for the SPSL North crown before the season began. They opened with a 42-7 loss to fourth-ranked Auburn before knocking off Emerald Ridge last week, 29-3.
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