By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
Auburn dominated Smiths Station 34-0 Friday night to stay undefeated and improve to 7-0 for the season.
Following a defensive battle in the first quarter that saw both teams place goose eggs on the scoreboard, Auburn wasted no time to stake their first lead of the night, scoring on a three-yard plunge from junior running back Javion Bush. The ensuing extra-point try was no good.
Turnovers and an inability to sustain drives doomed the Panthers, as the Tigers would tack on three more TDs in the second quarter to take a 27-0 lead into the half.
Phenom Auburn quarterback Griffin Speaks connected with speedster Tommy Nesmith for a 50-yard TD late in the third quarter, the final score in a fairly lopsided contest.
Smiths Station turned in its lowest offensive output of the season, generating 81 total yards, with 70 of that coming on the ground, and 11 through the air on one reception to Panther running back Kyran Hall. L.C. Harris finished as the leading rusher with 31 yards on 17 carries.
With the loss, Smiths Station fall to 5-3 overall, 2-3 in region play. The Panthers will enjoy a much-needed bye week before a pivotal region matchup v. Prattville Oct. 26.
The Lions are 5-2 overall, 3-1 in region play, but will also face Auburn this Friday at Duck Samford Stadium.
Kickoff v. Prattville is set for 8 p.m. E.S.T., 7 p.m. central. Panther Stadium is located along Lee Road 298 in downtown Smiths Station, directly behind Smiths Station Baptist Church.