Smith proved to be ‘unsung hero’ for Elizabeth Forward

By DEAN
DELLAMALVA JR.

MVI Sports

It was quite the 2020 fall sports season at Elizabeth Forward High School. 

Both the football and soccer teams made history on the brand new turf at Warriors Stadium.

One of the centerpieces to EF’s success was senior Andrew Smith. 

He was a member of the football, soccer and cross-country teams and was integral in the success of each.

For his efforts, not only was he a first-team Fab 15 selection in soccer, he was also a first-and-second-team Finest 30 selection on the gridiron. He was also named Mon Valley Independent-BeeGraphix Finest 30 Specialist of the Year. 

Smith hit on three of four field goals and made 36 out of 40 extra points for Elizabeth Forward. 

Smith averaged 40 yards per punt and finished his career with over 100 points. 

EF coach Mike Collodi praised Smith as an unsung hero for a team that went all the way to the WPIAL Class 3A championship in November.

“Andrew has been an integral part of our success for the last four years, he doesn’t get the publicity of some of the other players on the team, but he is just as valuable,” Collodi said. “His leg has won us many games over the years. He’s been an all-conference punter and kicker during his high school career.” 

Smith is a consummate team player and is quick to credit his coaches and other teammates for his success.

“It is a great feeling especially since we had such a great season in both football and soccer,” Smith said. “This is more like a team award, I just finished off the points they gave me. We had a really great year, we didn’t lose a game until the WPIAL finals. Having both of my coaches win coach of the year was great as well.”

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