Tony McKee, Smith's third-year head coach, hopes to see dramatic improvement after back-to-back 1-10 campaigns.
He bases his hopes on a pair of running backs, Desharn Russell and Mike Able. Russell proved his mettle by running for 273 yards against Southwest Guilford last year. That was the second best rushing performance in school history. Meanwhile, Able helped lead the Golden Eagles to the Piedmont Triad 3-A outdoor track and field title.
"They're both impressive," McKee said during preseason practice. "I'm also happy with a freshman, Jermaine Thompson."
Thompson played at Jackson Middle School last year. McKee said that Thompson may have to see immediate playing time.
"We're not very big, but we are quick and athletic," McKee added.
The Golden Eagle coach cited the play of his wide receiving corps. Wideout Tony Price, a junior, has the speed and hands to make a competent receiver. Tight end Luther Weathers, a senior, has been a surprise. Weathers, like Able, ran track and made major strides during the spring.
McKee has been impressed with lineman Jesse Louis in August practice.
"He's a college prospect," McKee said. "I like his size (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) and speed."
"I can honestly say that I'm really looking forward to this season," McKee said. "We have a nucleus that worked very hard conditioning this summer. This was our first group when we came in three years ago. They've become upper classmen. I think they understand what we want as coaches.
"We were close last year. The players played hard. We really were tough on defense, but we made too many mistakes and had too many key letdowns. We've got to move from being a team that competes to one that achieves."
One key to success will be the development of a quarterback to replace the departed Justin Baugham. Senior J.T. Hall and junior Dwayne Taylor are vying for that spot.
"We need to get a win early and build from there," McKee said.
The Golden Eagles open the new Aug. 21 with a 7:30 p.m. date with Northeast Guilford at Manzi Stadium.
Scott Duff, Smith's soccer coach, has an offensive tandem that most coaches dream of: forward Brian Woodward and midfielder Vibol Be.
Last season, when Smith went 10-8-2, finished third in the Piedmont Triad 3-A Conference and made the state playoffs for the first time in more than a decade, Woodward scored 35 goals, good enough to earn him all-county and all-conference honors. Be assisted on more than half of those goals.
"They work together well," Duff said. "They don't have to force it. Vibol finds Brian, who beats people with this head and quickness."
Woodward was recently named one of the top 25 players in the region by the Greensboro News & Record.
Four other starters return for BLS, including the goalkeeping combo of Dale Robertson and Jeremy Webb, and defenders Austin Strawn and Peter Robichaux.
"We've got a pretty solid nucleus coming back," Duff said. "We will build around those guys."
Smith opened its season Aug. 18 at High Point Andrews. The Golden Eagles' first home game is Aug. 27 against Southeast Guilford. Game time is 6 p.m.
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