Keiondre Smith from Caldwell was chosen as the SCCDAT Athlete of the Month for August. Smith was a first team all-league and all-state quarterback last season, where he racked up over 2,800 total yards, with 48 touchdowns.

Smith led Caldwell to a 8-2 record, before falling to Victoria 58-52 in the 8-Man DII playoffs. This season Smith hopes that last season was just a start for the Blue Jays.

“My expectations are very high for this season,” Smith said. “We put a lot of hours in the weight room and on the field over the summer.”

Talent is not a problem for Smith as he is one of the top players in 8-Man Division II, but it’s doing the things that others don’t see that he wants to improve on this season. Those little things are what might make a significant difference for Smith and his team this season.

“I would say one of my strengths as a player is never having the mindset of giving up,” Smith said. “I would say what I need to work on is constantly doing the little things. The one key moment I took from last year was how important doing the little thing every day is important.”