Golden Valley senior has been a breakout star this season. ‘I knew my time would come’
If Jahkylle Smith has learned anything during his time at Golden Valley High School, it’s patience.
Smith had to patiently wait his turn after playing behind running back Jabari Phillips last season, as he watched Phillips rewrite the school rushing records. Phillips became Golden Valley’s all-time leading rusher, setting records for career yards and touchdowns after a remarkable three-year varsity career.
Now it’s Smith’s turn and so far the Cougars senior has been one of the breakout stars in Merced County early this season.
Smith is a big reason Golden Valley is off to a 2-0 start after rushing for 409 yards and four touchdowns in wins over Del Campo and Madera South.
Smith and the Cougars will host Sierra (0-2) on Friday night at Veterans Stadium at 8 p.m.
While Smith’s success may come as a surprise to some people, the Golden Valley coaches knew they had a capable replacement at running back after Phillips graduated.
“Absolutely, we knew he was here,” said Cougars coach Rick Martinez. “It’s never easy losing a guy like Jabari, but we knew we had our guy.”
Smith, senior quarterback Eleazar Garza and junior receiver Jonah White have helped lead an explosive Golden Valley offense that has averaged 31.5 points through the first two games.
“Every week is a restart for us,” Smith said. “We’re taking it one week at a time. We’re not trying to get ahead of ourselves. It’s all about focus. We need to focus at practice, we need to focus watching film. Everything is about the grind.”
Smith says waiting his turn wasn’t easy, but playing behind a star running back had its advantages. He could use that time to learn from Phillips.
“At first it was discouraging, but then it was about learning from him,” Smith said. “He’s such a good running back. I knew my time would come. I just have to be patient.”
“He helped me with reading defenses,” Smith added. “If a linebacker comes up you can react a certain way, he showed me what moves you can do or what hole to read. He gave me more options to improve my game.”
Knowing he was in line for the starting job, Smith’s work ethic was on display this winter and spring.
“He hit the weight room hard this offseason,” Martinez said. “His work ethic is coming into fruition because he’s becoming the guy we can count on to run the ball.”
Smith attended the Cal camp this spring and then went to a couple more camps while spending time in Texas this summer.
He worked hard in Texas, training with his godfather. He improved his acceleration and speed and also put on 10 pounds.
“I worked out hard while I was in Texas because my coaches told me I was going to carry a big load this year,” Smith said.
Smith is hoping all that work leads to a special season for him and his teammates. He says he’s already developed a special bond with his offensive line.
“I ask my offensive linemen how many yards do they want? They’ve told me 200 yards a game,” Smith said. “I love that they’ve got my back and I’ve got theirs.”
Friday’s Games
Sierra at Golden Valley
Downey at Merced
Enochs at Buhach Colony
Atwater at Gregori
El Capitan at Modesto Christian
Livingston at Amador
Hilmar at Sonora
Orestimba at Los Banos
Pacheco at Seaside
Tranquillity at Le Grand
Delta Charter at Gustine
Delhi at Big Valley Christian
Stone Ridge Christian at Foresthill
Dos Palos at Liberty
