Tristan Smith extends touchdown streak to three Games in win over Charleston Southern

SEMO wide receiver Tristan Smith delivered a standout performance with 7 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown against Charleston Southern, extending his touchdown streak to three consecutive games.

Just before halftime, SEMO faced a tough goal-line situation, but Tristan Smith stepped up, scoring his first rushing touchdown as a Redhawk on a 1-yard end-around play.

Smith credits his determination to get his team into the end zone, along with quarterback Paxton DeLaurent's selfless block at the goal line, for the touchdown.

"On that play, it was fourth and one, and we were right there. I thought, 'Man, we have to score.' It was just before halftime, and we’d get the ball back afterward. Scoring here would give us momentum. The play was designed for me to either throw or run the ball, but I saw the touchdown right there, and I knew I had to get into the end zone. Paxton gave me a great block, and I made it in for the score”, Smith said.

The touchdown demonstrates that Smith's impact extends beyond the receiving game to the rushing attack as well. His versatility and size are key components that offensive coordinator Jeromy McDowell incorporates into the game plan

"He has a unique skill set with his length, speed, and agility, which makes him a matchup problem for smaller defensive backs. He runs great routes, and we try to get him in one-on-one situations to let him make plays. In zone coverage, he finds open windows well. Overall, he's a very good receiver,” McDowell said.

Smith has been a key player in the Redhawks' pass-heavy offense, recording 39 catches in six games. With senior wide receiver Dorian Andersons status in the air due to an injury against Charleston Southern, Coach McDowell believes Smith's workload may have a chance to increase in the upcoming game against Gardner-Webb.

"We need to make a strong effort to give him opportunities and let him do what he does best. He'll continue to get a lot of targets, but we also need other players to step up and fill in for those who get injured,” McDowell said

The increased workload could allow Smith to further enhance his already impressive season. With a goal of 1,000 yards, he currently has 515 yards despite missing the first two games due to injury. Smith ranks third in catches and fourth in receiving yards in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Despite Smith's impressive season, wide receivers coach Desmond Noird believes he could enhance his game by better utilizing his 6-foot-5 frame to create more opportunities for making plays.

"He has plenty of room to improve. Sure, he makes a lot of plays for us, but he needs to learn how to use his strength and body type in certain situations. We still have work to do in that area, but he loves to put in the effort and is very receptive to coaching,” Noird said.

Smith believes he can maintain his streak of production by concentrating on the game Saturday and avoiding distractions from this week's homecoming festivities.

"Staying focused is key, especially with it being homecoming week. That tends to be a big time for parties and distractions that aren't about football. I feel like I need to keep my focus by staying at home and being around my teammates more. That way, when the game comes, I can be locked in and ready to make plays," Smith said.

Smith aims to extend his touchdown streak in this week’s homecoming game against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs on Saturday, October 26th, at Houck Stadium.