Smith Establishing Credentials Early

Steve Smith is only a sophomore, but the Woodland Hills Taft receiver and defensive back is already establishing himself as one of the top players in the City Section.

Smith caught nine passes for 159 yards, scored a touchdown, intercepted a pass and blocked an extra-point attempt in the Toreadors’ 28-6 nonleague victory over previously unbeaten Jefferson Friday at Jefferson.

“We knew this was going to be a tough game,” Smith said. “And they came out and showed they were ready to play. But our quarterback made some great throws today.”

Taft senior Rick Clausen was a model of efficiency, completing 18 of 23 passes for 264 yards without an interception. Clausen, a transfer from Mission Hills Alemany, completed seven of his first eight attempts and his last nine in a row.

Senior running back Lee Marks gained 106 yards in 13 carries and scored on a two-yard touchdown run for Taft (3-0) despite playing with a fractured hand.

Taft did not appear distracted by the section’s rules committee ruling earlier this week. Taft Coach Troy Starr was suspended for next week’s game against Granada Hills Kennedy and an Oct. 6 game against San Fernando for holding an illegal practice on Labor Day. Starr is appealing the suspension.

Jefferson (2-1) took a 6-0 lead on Jason Brown’s 23-yard run with 7:39 left in the first quarter, but Smith blocked the extra-point kick.

Smith intercepted a pass by Jefferson quarterback John Brown at Taft’s one-yard line with 3:17 left in the first quarter, leading to a 12-play that Marks capped with his touchdown run.

Taft scored again a little more than two minutes later when Chris Morgan blocked a punt, picked up the ball and ran 19 yards for a touchdown.

The Toreadors built on their 14-6 halftime lead when Clausen passed 12 yards to Smith for a touchdown with two seconds left in the third quarter.

Clausen scored Taft’s final touchdown on a one-yard sneak with 5:37 left in the game.