Hawks Smith will miss one more week

Armwood senior tailback Eric Smith, who suffered an ankle injury two weeks ago against Hillsborough, will sit out this Friday's regular-season finale against Middleton to get rested for the playoffs.

Smith, one of the state's top running backs, said last week he expected to be ready to go against the Tigers. But with the district title wrapped up, coach Sean Callahan said he wanted to give him extra time to recoup.

Callahan also said Smith will make an official visit to Clemson Nov. 10.

"I want to have all my toys in the toy box for the playoffs," Callahan said.

One toy Callahan will likely not have is Smith's brother, junior Petey Smith. Smith, one of the nation's top linebackers, suffered a bladder infection last month and underwent two abdominal surgeries. He hasn't played since the Jefferson game Sept 28 in late September, and Callahan said he wasn't sure when he'll return.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of eric smith