It’s hard replacing a legend. Many pundits would tell you not to be the man to follow THE MAN. Kent Smith is that guy. After 23 straight winning seasons (1991 – 2013), the team has struggled the past three seasons, going a combined 12-16. Legendary Coach Mickey Lindsey is no longer a fixture on the sidelines at Patriot Stadium. But make no mistake, Kent Smith is no Johnny Come Lately, having spent 22 years with the program. But now it’s his program and the expectations are on his shoulders. And he has high expectations of his own.
“I expect to be a physical football team. We should be better on defense and grow into the offense. We want to compete at the highest level” he said.
And there will be a lot of new sights on the field this year for Pace. Coach Smith is installing a 2 back, gun offense. With only 2 returning starters on offense, he feels it’s a good time to change. Of course, when one of the two returners is star running back Anthony Johnson (2114 yards, 298 carries, 7.1 YPC, 25 TD’s) it makes the transition a little easier. Cameron Bozeman will be counted on to stretch the field from his wideout position.
The defense is in a much better position and will be leaned on heavily in the early games while the new offense gains some much needed experience. Defensive End Jaxon Adams and Lineman Baily Clark will be counted on to take care of business up front, while linebackers Layne Plant (team leader in tackles – 69) and Ashtain Davis will fill the gaps. The real strength will be the experienced trio in the secondary. Vito Orlando, Tony Gibson and Riley Fields will dare any QB to challenge them.
Like their NFL namesake, the Pace Patriots have personified excellence and success for a very long time. Coach Smith is rebuilding the program to regain that dominance. When asked about his biggest challenges for the upcoming season, he responded, “installing a new offense and keeping players healthy. Playing at a high level and teaching players to play every play”.
Pace Patriots
Written by Arnold Gamber
