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Carter Smith's seven touchdowns lead Bishop Verot to Jamboree

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It was just a spring break with rising senior quarterback Carter Smith from Bishop Verot, and the Vikings offense appears to be in top form midseason.

Smith, who has committed to Michigan, ran for seven total touchdowns – four against Columbus and three against Sarasota Riverview – and host Verot won convincingly against both teams on Friday night.

“It's exciting,” said Smith, the No. 1 quarterback and No. 32 player in the USA Today Florida Network Top 100. “It's definitely cool to be able to do something like this, but it's great to be back here with the guys. It's always fun and I couldn't ask for a better team to finish my high school career with.”

Smith wasted no time scoring three of the Vikings' four touchdowns in the first quarter as Verot built a 27-0 lead over Columbus. Verot withstood a comeback from Columbus and eventually won 34-21.

In the second half against Riverview, Smith scored two points in the first quarter and added a short touchdown run in the second quarter that led to a 21-10 victory. Riverview outscored Columbus 24-6 in the other half.

“Obviously there's a chance No. 9 (Smith) will get better,” Verot coach Richie Rode said. “He's gotten better. He's unbelievable.”

Insights from Bishop Verot

1. Vikings pass tests against bigger opponents

Verot's spring jamboree against two perennial Class 7A playoff teams was an ideal dress rehearsal given the Vikings' 2024 schedule. Verot, a Class 2A team, has regular season games in the fall with bigger teams like Tampa Jesuit, Venice, West Boca and Miami Palmetto. Verot not only played well on Friday, but showed it has the talent to compete in every game this season.

2. Deshon Jenkins and Smith provide a dangerous backfield for Verot

Jenkins, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior, is a perfect complement to Smith with his powerful running style. Jenkins scored a rushing touchdown and ran for more than 80 yards in the opening game against Columbus.

“Carter does Carter things and DeShon is an incredibly tough downhill runner,” Rode said. “He's very tricky and quick in the hole, has great feet. Hard to tackle. He just pulls at you.”

3. The defensive line made many plays

The tone was set defensively on Columbus' first drive when Verot stopped them twice in short yardage situations to force a turnover. Dwyer Camron was consistent in the backfield and had several tackles for loss. Ryan Peterson had a strip sack against Riverview that the Vikings recovered. It wasn't just the offense; this was a complete performance from Verot.

Columbus to go

1. The Explorers’ first seven players are very young

The strength of Columbus' defense in recent years has been a defensive line that included Daylen Russell (Miami), Willis McGahee IV (Nebraska), TJ Capers (Louisville) and Dylan Stephenson (Stanford). Those players have all graduated. Top returning linebacker Hector Chavez (FAU commit) missed the spring with an injury and as a result, the team's run defense struggled in both halves.

“We sacked eight guys on defense and the best one of us didn't play tonight,” Explorers coach Dave Dunn said. “We're young and it showed. We're getting better. I'm glad that happened to us. Really. This is just the medicine we needed. We're not going to win by just showing up. Our guys have to learn that the reason we've won in the past is because we're a tough, tenacious team that stopped the run. We weren't good enough up front.”

2. Columbus’ quarterback situation is unclear

The Explorers used four quarterbacks on Friday with varying degrees of success. Starter Champ Smith struggled against Verot but threw a touchdown pass against Riverview. The offense got a boost against Verot with Jason Barket. Vincente Gonzalez completed two nice passes downfield before leaving the field with an injury. Dunn said the competition for the quarterback position is wide open.

3. Columbus doesn’t give up

Despite trailing Verot by 27 points early on, the Explorers quickly scored three touchdowns to tie the game at one point late in the second quarter. That included a pick-six by safety Shaddai Carter for the third point. Columbus' fighting spirit was impressive and should serve them well this season.

Riverview Food Stalls

1. Anthony Miller led the offense well

Miller, a rising junior, was in complete control of the offense, making plays with his arms and legs in both games. The Rams opened the game against Columbus with a flea flicker to score their first point, and he later completed a long touchdown pass to Yahshua Edwards. Miller showed accuracy and directed the Rams' potent offense.

“He did a great job,” Rams coach Joshua Smithers said. “We broke down a few defenses, but we're getting better. He led the group great. Overall, I thought he played great.”

2. Riverview has offensive playmakers

DJ Johnson, who rushed for 1,660 yards in 2023, scored a rushing touchdown against Columbus. Edwards opened the scoring against Columbus with a rushing score and later added the reception. Isaiah Belt, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2023, had some nice runs on Friday. Jaden Key had multiple catches in the two halves. This is a team that will challenge a defense in a variety of ways.

3. The Rams special teams played well

In the spring, you can overlook that, but in the fall, reliable special teams are important. Nick Delfau managed a 37-yard kick against Columbus and a 32-yard attempt against Verot. The Rams also blocked an extra point attempt by Verot. These types of plays will make a big difference in the regular season.

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