The Luverne Cardinals ended the regular season on a four-game winning streak and finished with a 5-1 overall record.
There have been a number of factors that have led the Cardinals to end the season on a hot streak.
They have received exceptional play from a stingy defense that’s given up just 13.6 points per game.
They have an offensive line that’s giving the quarterback time to pass and paving the way for the ground game.
LaShad Smith, a senior running back and cornerback, is ending his prep football career on a terror. During that four-game winning streak, Smith scored nine rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown and two interceptions.
The senior running back attributes his recent success to being more mentally prepared and becoming a student of the game.
“I’ve been a little more focused,” Smith said. “I’ve watched more film. I’ve been watching which routes certain players have been running.”
The Cardinals have received strong play from their big boys up front, and without the work of that group, Smith would have nowhere to run.
With that unit paving the way, Smith is running wild.
“It’s not just me,” Smith said. “If my line isn’t getting the push, I can’t do anything. They’ve been on a hot streak. Every single game they get a game push. When they get a good push, we can’t be stopped.”
During Luverne’s overtime victory over Redwood Valley earlier this season, Smith picked off two passes and scored the game-winning touchdown. With interceptions harder to come by, Smith said he would rather pick off a quarterback than score a touchdown.
“Pick off a quarterback,” Smith said. “I say that because it’s not supposed to happen.”
Smith has been playing football since the fifth grade. He’s been starting on the varsity squad since he was a sophomore. He said one of the things he loves the most about the game of football is the relationships he’s built.
“I love hanging out with my teammates,” Smith said. “On Thursday nights before the game, we have a team meal. We just chill. We talk about whatever and just have a good time.”
Smith is a three-sport athlete for the Cardinals, playing football, basketball and baseball. On Thursday, Nov. 12, Smith played his final regular-season home game as a Luverne Cardinal.
Smith will get at least one more home game when the Cardinals open up the section tournament at home on Saturday, No. 21, as the top seed.
He said the team’s goal is to close out the season as section champions. It’s a goal that’s well within their grasp, as they are two wins away from reaching that goal they set for themselves at the beginning of the season.
“We’re not going to lose,” Smith said. “That’s our goal and mentality. I know we can do it. We need to clean up some little mental things and fix those mistakes. We have the ability to be a great team. We have players in every single spot.”