Spring Football: Verot QB Carter Smith scores 7 touchdowns, Vikings sweep spring jamboree
It was just a spring jamboree Bishop Verot rising senior quarterback Carter Smith and the Vikings offense look to be in midseason form.
Smith, a Michigan commit, rushed for seven total touchdowns — four against Columbus and three against Sarasota Riverview — and host Verot won convincingly against both teams on Friday night.
“It’s exciting,” said Smith, the No. 1 ranked quarterback and No. 32 overall player on the USA Today Florida Network top 100. “It’s definitely cool to be able to do something like that, but it’s great to be out here with the guys again. It’s always a blast and I couldn’t ask for a better team to finish out my high school career with.”
Smith didn’t waste any time, scoring three of the Vikings four first quarter touchdowns as Verot raced out to a 27-0 lead against Columbus. Verot withstood a Columbus rally and went on to win 34-21.
In the second half against Riverview, Smith scored twice in the first quarter and added a short touchdown run in the second quarter of a 21-10 win. Riverview beat Columbus 24-6 in the other half.
“Obviously, apparently it’s possible for No. 9 (Smith) to get better.” Verot coach Richie Rode said. “He got better. He’s incredible.”
Bishop Verot takeaways
1. Vikings pass tests against bigger opponents
Verot’s spring jamboree against a pair of perennial Class 7A playoff teams was an ideal dress rehearsal considering the Vikings 2024 schedule. Verot, a Class 2A squad, has regular season games with bigger programs such as Tampa Jesuit, Venice, West Boca and Miami Palmetto in the fall. Not only did Verot play well Friday, but it showed it has the talent to compete in every game this season.
2. Deshon Jenkins and Smith give Verot a dangerous backfield
Jenkins, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound rising junior, is the perfect compliment to Smith with his power running style. Jenkins scored a rushing touchdown and had more than 80 yards in the opener against Columbus.
“Carter does Carter things and DeShon is an incredibly downhill, hard runner,” Rode said. “He’s very sneakily shifty in the hole, great feet. Hard to tackle. He just wears on you.”
3. The defensive line made a lot of plays
The tone was set defensively on Columbus’ first drive when Verot stopped them twice on short yardage situations to force a turnover on downs. Dwyer Camron was consistently in the backfield and had multiple tackles for loss. Ryan Peterson had a strip sack against Riverview that the Vikings recovered. It wasn’t just the offense; this was a complete performance for Verot.
Columbus takeaways
1. The Explorers front seven is very young
The strength of Columbus’ defense that past few years was a defensive line that included Daylen Russell (Miami), Willis McGahee IV (Nebraska), TJ Capers (Louisville) and Dylan Stephenson (Stanford). Those players have all graduated. Top returning linebacker Hector Chavez (FAU commit) missed the spring because of an injury and, as a result, the team’s run defense struggled in both halves.
“We graduated eight guys on defense and the best one we have didn’t play tonight,” Explorers coach Dave Dunn said. “We’re young and it showed. We’ll get better. I’m glad this happened to us. I really am. This is exactly the medicine we needed. We’re not going to win just by showing up. Our guys have to learn is the reason we won in the past is because we’re a tough, hard-nosed team that stopped the run. We weren’t enough up front.”
2. Columbus’ quarterback situation is unsettled
The Explorers used four quarterbacks on Friday with varying levels of success. Starter Champ Smith struggled against Verot but threw a touchdown pass against Riverview. The offense got a spark from Jason Barket against Verot. Vincente Gonzalez completed two nice passes downfield before leaving with an injury. Dunn said the quarterback competition is wide open.
3. Columbus won’t give up
Despite falling behind by 27 points early against Verot, the Explorers quickly scored three touchdowns to make it a one-score game late in the second quarter. That includes a pick-six by safety Shaddai Carter for the third score. Columbus’ fight was impressive and it should serve them well in the season.
Riverview takeaways
1. Anthony Miller ran the offense well
Miller, a rising junior, was in complete control of the offense and made plays with his arm and legs in both games. The Rams opened the game against Columbus with a flea-flicker to set up their first score and he later completed a touchdown long pass to Yahshua Edwards. Miller showed accuracy and managed the Rams potent offense.
“He did a great job,” Rams coach Joshua Smithers said. “We busted a few protections but we’ll get better. He did a great job of leading that group. Overall, I thought he played great.”
2. Riverview has offensive playmakers
DJ Johnson, who rushed for 1,660 yards in 2023, scored a rushing touchdown against Columbus. Edwards opened the scoring against Columbus with a rushing score and later added the reception. Isaiah Belt, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2023, had some nice carries Friday. Jaden Key had multiple catches in the two halves. This is a team that will challenge a defense in multiple ways.
3. The Rams special teams played well
It can be overlooked in the spring, but having reliable special teams is important in the fall. Nick Delfau connected on a 37-yard kick against Columbus and a 32-yard attempt against Verot. The Rams also blocked a Verot extra point attempt. Those types of plays will make a big difference in the regular season.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Football: Carter Smith's seven touchdown lead Bishop Verot in jamboree
