Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Southside wide receiver Derick Smith is named The Selma Times-Journal’s high school player of the week.

The junior played a leading role in the Bears’ season-opening 22-8 win over crosstown rival Selma last Friday at Memorial Stadium. Smith, The Selma Times-Journal offensive player of the year in 2022, had over 300 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

Smith caught seven passes for 233 yards and a 76-yard touchdown reception to break a scoreless tie in the first half. He ran for 109 yards on nine carries, including a 12-yard TD scamper in the third quarter to put the game away. At defensive back, he 14 total tackles, three quarterback sacks, five tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.

Southside head coach Charles Moody Jr. said it was just an example of Smith showing why he’s a highly-touted prospect in the Class of 2025. Alabama, defending national champion Georgia and Arkansas are among the many Division I schools that have extended scholarship offers to Smith.

“I think he’s the best junior football player in the country,” Moody said. “He can line up at many different positions.”

Southside (1-0) visits Trinity Christian on Friday night at 7 p.m.