Smith Sets Records as Central Blasts Weeki Wachee

Smith (6) and LB Josh Rivera (3) Hold up #3 In Memory of Sebastian Rivera and pose with the Battle of Hexam Trophy.

 

De’Vonta Smith rewrote Hernando County records, scoring eight times, as Central thrashed Weeki Wachee 63-28, in the ‘Battle of Hexam’ Friday night.

De’Vonta took a back seat last season to former record holder DeShawn Smith, but Friday would be a coming out party for those who doubted De’Vonta’s talent.

“There are times when you can play and joke around,” Smith said. “But there are times when you have to focus, especially when you are trying to play at the next level.”

Smith showed his ability to play on Saturdays as he carried 23 times for a county-record 488 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned a punt 68-yards for a score, tying the record for touchdowns in a single game.

“There were some comments that got De’Vonta a little motivated tonight.” Central Coach Chris Sands said. “He took it as a smack in the face a little bit, and hopefully De’Vonta showed why he is this good.”

The Bears (2-2,1-1 5A-7) started the night off rough, as Smith fumbled at the 1-yard line allowing Weeki Wachee (0-4, 0-1 5A-7) to prevent the score and take over.

“Last year (Smith) had some fumble problems, and he worked real hard in the offseason to fix it.” Sands said. “He walks around every day with a football in his hand. I think that fumble kind of woke him up and told him he was ready to go. It is a testament to his maturity, will and hard work.

The scoring than came rapid fire in the next minute, as three touchdowns were scored.

Smith opened the scoring with a 15-yard rush before Hornet quarterback Alec Cromie found Sebastian Class for a 60-yard touchdown strike.

Newly crowned starter Izzy Zena led Central back down the field, finding Jonathan Allion for a 16-yard score.

Weeki Wachee would tie the game as Cromie found Shaun Young for a 20-yard touchdown, before De’Vonta Smith turned on the jets and took over.

Smith uncorked four touchdown runs (51,79,1,9) in the second quarter to counter the two Cromie touchdown passes, sending the Bears into the break up 42-21.

Far from done, Smith scored on runs of 55 and 73 yards and returned a punt 68 yards to cap the Central scoring at 63 points for the evening. The Bears would be awarded the ‘Battle of Hexam’ Trophy to show their victory in the rivalry.

“I came into this game thinking I want to do something special.” Smith said. “Last year my friend (Bears’ QB Sebastian Rivera) didn’t get to play in this game so I wanted to show out for him.”

Cromie would add a fourth touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to Diante Thomas, however, it was not enough as the Hornets defense couldn’t keep Smith out of the end zone.

The Bears’ defense stepped up their effort in the second half, swarming Cromie with pressure and keeping Weeki Wachee from sustaining any momentum.

“We talked about effort this week.” Sands said. “Alec is a great player, but our guys came out with great effort and that is why we came out with a victory.”

Cromie would finish 12-of-29 for 212 yards and four touchdowns for Weeki Wachee.

UP NEXT: Central travels to Lecanto for a district contest, while Weeki Wachee travels to Citrus. Both kickoffs are set for 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.

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