Brian Smith Good Quotations

We won some matches we weren't sure about, so that's a positive for us. Everyone getting a win at the state tournament is good for the program.

Nick Kennedy is an exceptional talent whose recent selection for England A indicates his potential at the top level. James Hudson is a young man that I have worked with before. He is a true professional and a good 'team' player.

I felt good out there. My change-up was working well, and I was able to throw strikes and put the ball in play.

Our field-goal percentage wasn't good and our free throws weren't good; 14 of 23 (at the line) wasn't good.

Our lines really did a good job of establishing the line of scrimmage.

That was one of the best first quarters we've had, one of the best first halves we've had, and definitely one of the bets defensive (efforts) we've had. The defense was really good for us tonight; obviously, they only got 31 points against us.

We just couldn't get past Frank on the last lap. It was a great race and a lot of fun. It was our best finish since we got fifth in 1999. Usually we don't have a lot of good luck here.

We spend so much time in the regular season getting ready for district. The good thing going in (at Clovis is that) they don't know anything about us either. And it's a chance for us to get better as a team, grow together. I've seen some improvements.

Bruce has come in and over the last three years, really changed what debate looks like. It really comes down to who is the adviser. ... If the adviser is good at what they do and promotes it and gets kids out, it thrives.

It was close throughout. They got a 10-point lead on us in the first half; I think I had four starters with two fouls. Our shooting was not good. I think we were seven of 23 from the field in the first half, and it's not like they weren't good shots.

It's always encouraging to see defensive linemen get to the quarterback. If you rush the quarterback well, good things will happen for you.

That got us out of a hole. We had some good blocks by Devin Hudson, Brandon Casteel and T.J. Casteel to spring him. All of our running backs ran hard. Our lead blockers, linemen and tight ends did a great job of blocking at the point of contact.

The main thing is that we got the kids through to next week. We're in a good spot right now.