Keith Smith Named Player of the Year

Keith Smith of Newbury Park High--the state’s all-time leading passer--has been selected the Southern Section Division III player of the year by the Amateur Athletic Foundation’s panel of sportswriters, it was announced Monday.

The senior quarterback led the 14-0 Panthers to one of the most successful seasons in state history. It was capped by a 22-14 victory over Hawthorne in the Division III title game. Smith, 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, completed 66% of his attempts for a state record 4,244 yards with 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also led Newbury Park in rushing, gaining 774 yards (with a 7.44-yard average) and scoring 11 touchdowns.

Smith passed for 9,971 yards to set the all-time state record. A varsity starter since his sophomore season, Smith is No. 2 of all time nationally.

In addition to Smith, it was announced that running back Wilbert Smith (Montclair Prep) and quarterback Zack Hernandez (L.A. Baptist) were named players of the year in Divisions VII and X, respectively.

Smith (5-9, 180), a running back who has orally committed to Illinois, finished second in the state in scoring with 248 points and third in rushing with 2,512 yards.