Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, senior running back Laray Smith was recently selected to play in the second-annual Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps.
The game will be played Jan. 4, 2013 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and will be televised at 9 p.m. EST on the NFL Network.
Smith, a two-time Advance All-Star in both football and track at Xaverian, will be one of 100 of the nation’s elite high school football players who square off in the East versus West gridiron matchup.
“We believe this game is different for many great reasons, but being able to identify college-ready student athletes is a key ingredient for what makes this game so special,” said Shaon Berry, founder of the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. “Players across the nation have an opportunity to have standout senior seasons and earn their way onto the playing field beyond media hype and Internet analysis. These guys are immediate impact guys; they are the real deal.”
The student-athletes were selected based on their embodiment of the Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment and their proven history of academic excellence, physical fitness and quality of character.
“The commitment these players have demonstrated to their education, the leadership they have shown in their school and community and the courage they have displayed in choosing a positive life path makes them an inspiration and worthy to be seen on a national stage,” said Major General Joseph L. Osterman, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
“The title Marine is ‘Earned, Never Given.’ There are thousands of skilled football players in the country we could select to play in our Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, but we are only offering this opportunity to the best players with high moral character who demonstrate leadership in all aspects of their lives.”
Smith has played three seasons for the varsity Clippers and this year has rushed for 421 yards on 44 attempts – nearly 10 yards per carry.
“Being named to All-City teams is a tremendous honor, but this is extra special because it has to do with much more than just what happens on the football field,” Smith said.
Smith is currently being recruited for both football and track and has narrowed his list of college choices to Syracuse University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Tennessee, the University of Mississippi and the University of Oregon.[hr]
B/Q Girls’ CHSAA Sports Roundup
Lady Royals Repeat As Soccer Champs
The Christ the King R.H.S., Middle Village, Lady Royals varsity soccer team repeated as Brooklyn/Queens Division ‘AA’ champions with a 2-0 victory over The Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica Estates.
In the second half, freshman forward Medina Mulic headed in a pass from junior captain Francesca Giglio from 10 yards out to give the Lady Royals the lead. Freshman forward Sarah Nolan added an insurance goal assisted by freshman midfielder Andrea Cardozo.
With the win, Christ the King advanced to the Catholic H.S. state semifinals but lost 3-1 to Notre Dame Academy, Staten Island, on Nov. 15.
St. Edmund’s Girls Win ‘A’ Championship
The St. Edmund Prep, Homecrest, varsity soccer team captured the Brooklyn/Queens Division ‘A’ championship with a 1-0 overtime victory Nov. 12 against St. John’s Prep, Astoria.
St. Francis Prep Cops Girls’ Volleyball Title
The St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, varsity volleyball team defeated Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood, 3-0 in straight sets (26-24, 25-17, 25-22) Nov. 12 to win the Brooklyn/Queens Division I title. The L’il Terriers advanced as the Brooklyn/Queens representative in the State ‘AA’ Tournament and finished in second place, losing to St. Mary’s H.S., Lancaster, N.Y., in the championship.
Fontbonne Wins JV Volleyball Title
The Fontbonne Hall Academy, Bay Ridge, junior varsity volleyball team defeated Archbishop Molloy 2-1 (17-25, 28-26, 25-23) on Nov. 12, earning the title of Brooklyn/Queens Division I champions.
St. John’s Prep Sweeps B/Q Volleyball
The St. John’s Prep varsity volleyball team defended the diocesan Division II championship title with a 3-0 victory in straight sets (25-18, 25-11, 25-20) Nov. 12 over Bishop Loughlin M.H.S., Fort Greene. Prep’s Red Storm ladies finished the regular season a perfect 14-0 and only lost two sets throughout the entire season. Both Prep and Loughlin advanced to the City ‘A’ Volleyball championship Nov. 17, where they finished in third and fourth place, respectively.
In addition to the win from the varsity team, the St. John’s Prep junior varsity volleyball team also won their Brooklyn/Queens championship Nov. 12 by defeating Msgr. McClancy M.H.S., East Elmhurst. The team finished undefeated at 12-0.
