CITY SECTION FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Smith Gains 215 Yards to Lead Sloppy Kennedy

It can’t be said that Kennedy High performed masterfully, or played brilliantly, in its 36-15 nonleague football victory over Inglewood at home Friday night.

The above, however, can be said for Kennedy running back Antwane Smith.

Smith rushed for 215 yards in 19 carries and scored three touchdowns, overcoming an otherwise sloppy display by the Golden Cougars, who finished with 205 yards in penalties.

Add three fumbles to that, and it’s easy to see why Kennedy Coach Bob Francola promised plenty of wind sprints at Monday’s practice.

Although Smith did have one fumble--his only miscue of the evening--he should probably be granted a pardon come Monday afternoon.

Smith began his rampage early in the second quarter, galloping 21 yards for a touchdown that tied the score, 7-7. On Kennedy’s next possession, Smith received a 48-yard scoring pass from Dan McMullen to put the Golden Cougars ahead, 14-7.

Smith’s numbers in the first half--11 carries, 124 yards, two touchdowns--were nice, but the same couldn’t be said for his team’s overall first half performance, which included 13 penalties for 115 yards and three fumbles. Small wonder why the Cougars, despite dominating the line of scrim, led by only seven at halftime.

Smith’s first carry of the second half led to his third touchdown, a 12-yard run up the middle for a 21-7 Kennedy lead. The score came two plays after Kennedy blocked its second punt of the game.

Although Smith didn’t score Kennedy’s fourth touchdown--that was left for McMullen and Damion Thompson, who connected for a seven-yard score--he set it up with a 50-yard kickoff return and a 29-yard run.

McMullen completed 12 of 17 passes for 121 yards with three touchdown passes.