By KEVIN MOBLEY – Junior Copy Editor
Senior tight end/linebacker Qua-Von Scott worked towards his National Signing Day ceremony and football scholarship with a little help from his best friend and toughest motivator.
Every day since 2012, senior Qua-Von Scott and junior Anthony “Pop” Smith have put each other to the test.
The two began their Clarke Central High School varsity football playing days at the same position: tight end. Smith, who entered the varsity squad as a freshman, competed with Scott, a sophomore, for the starting spot right away, an occurrence that has since developed into a brotherly companionship.
“As a freshman, I took (Scott’s) position when he was a sophomore. I think I made him work harder to get to where he is now, made him grind harder,” Smith said. “I did it because I love him. He’s my brother.”
That year, Scott and Smith continuously fought for playing time.
“(Smith) came in and he was a freshman sensation, came in and took my spot,” Scott said. “He worked me and I worked him. We just became brothers on the field.”
As time went on, the two tight ends realized that each of their efforts could take the other to new heights.
“We competed a lot out there,” Smith said. “Every day after practice we were like, ‘I beat you here. I beat you there. I did this better than you.’”
Even though Scott was always a year older than Smith, former tight ends coach and current linebackers coach Chris Hulse feels that they always competed on an equal playing field.
“I don’t think their relationship has ever been about mentoring,” Hulse said. “They have viewed each other as equals, working toward the same goals.”
The following season, Scott regained the starting position at tight end, as Smith moved to fill a need at linebacker due to injuries at the start of the Gladiators’ campaign.
21 seniors graduated following that year, and out of necessity, Smith and Scott were both tasked with splitting time at tight end and linebacker this Fall.
“It felt great (to play both ways). It felt like the coaches believed in me and thought I could make enough plays to put me on both sides of the ball in starting both ways,” Scott said.
But during practice the week of the game against Gainesville High School, Scott suffered ACL and Medial Meniscus tears that would ultimately sideline him for the remainder of his senior season.
Scott had already earned a verbal offer for an athletic scholarship from Charleston Southern University, and had to go through a daunting rehabilitation process.
“We just stayed on him and made him do that rehab so that he could come back quicker,” Smith said. “I’ve got a weight training class with him in 3rd block with Coach Balkcom. We make him lift because he’s gotta get ready for the next level.”
On Feb. 4, Scott was able to sign his National Letter of Intent to declare his intentions of joining the CSU football team, the culmination of a long journey of challenges and triumphs. He is eager to see what college has in store.
“I think it’s going to be a great experience (at CSU). Hopefully I do good, I think I will; I’m a hard worker,” Scott said.
Smith stated his intentions of playing in college as well, and, in competitive fashion, took a playful jab at his teammate.
“Oh yeah (I plan on signing next year). They might have to do mine in the gym. I think I know more people than Qua-Von,” Smith said.
