Have DeMario Smith, Whitehaven football found confidence just at the right time?

DeMario Smith saw the play the whole way.  

He studied film heading into Whitehaven’s game against White Station and anticipated where the ball was going. The formation looked familiar to him and triggered a play he’d seen on tape. As Lonnie Smith Jr. dropped back, DeMario Smith jumped the route and knew he had a touchdown as soon as he caught it.  

The interception return for a touchdown helped the Tigers seal a 26-19 win over White Station and keep their playoff hopes alive.  

"I was hungry,” Smith said. “I had to bring the team energy. The energy was down after they scored, so I’m like, ‘I got this. I got the team on my back.’” 

Whitehaven coach Rodney Saulsberry knew Smith was due for a big game. Along with the defensive touchdown, Smith added a kickoff return for a score in the first quarter as well.  

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"He’s been due,” Saulsberry said of Smith’s big performance. “... That kid is a worker and it showed up tonight when we needed him and that’s what leaders do.” 

Both plays came when the Tigers needed a spark. Smith has no problem being the player to make that play. It also gave Smith confidence as the season, and his career, comes to a close.

His recruiting has started to pick up with a few Division I and Division II colleges on his radar. He wasn’t ready to say who was showing interest, but is confident the offers will start to flow in.  

"I always have confidence every night but tonight felt different,” Smith said.  

Friday night was a turning point for Whitehaven. It’s been a frustrating season, but the Tigers (4-4, 2-3 Region 8-6A) have turned a corner following a four-game losing streak. Now they have two straight wins – both in the region – and are still alive in the playoff race. 

Last week, it was Ahmad Miller that led the way. With Miller out with a toe injury and the Tigers' second-string running back out with an injury, too, the offense relied on the pass. Joe Williams responded with two receiving touchdowns against White Station (2-6, 1-4).  

Saulsberry said the team is still trying to figure itself out. Friday was a step in the right direction. Once the Tigers get healthy, the new challenge becomes stringing together enough wins to be playing in November.  

"We're learning how to become a team as we continue to grow,” Saulsberry said.

Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on Twitter @wynstonw__.