Kennedy Weakened for Playoffs

Kennedy High will not have the services of its top receiver for the City Section 4-A Division football playoffs, and the status of injured tailback Antwane Smith will not be determined until Thursday.

Sophomore wide receiver Aaron Lewis and senior defensive back Ladell Shuler did not suit up in Kennedy’s 32-12 loss to Taft Thursday night because of disciplinary reasons.

Lewis, who had 27 receptions for 359 yards and five touchdowns this season, will not return to the team and Shuler’s status will be determined next week, according to Golden Cougar Coach Bob Francola.

Smith, a junior who has rushed for 1,486 yards and scored 23 touchdowns, strained his left knee against Taft.

“I talked to the doctor (Friday) and he said I just stretched a ligament,” Smith said. “I’ll just do some easy running in practice next week and see how it feels.”