For Braeden Smith, football has been a constant in his family. Over the last four years, Smith has had the chance to make his mark and improve his game.

“My entire family loves watching and playing football,” recalled Smith. “When I was seven, I asked my mom to sign me up for football.

“I played for the LCYA Bulldogs in Allentown for two years, and then I went to Catasauqua to play football. When I first started playing football in youth, I played as a right guard on offense and a defensive tackle.”

This season Smith again lined up on both sides of the ball up front for his senior season.

Over the years, Smith has worked on his strength on and off the field.

“Offseason training has made me bigger and more agile on my feet,” said Smith. “Since my freshman year I have gotten much stronger and quicker. Football has not only helped me develop as a player but also as a person, this sport taught me the importance of teamwork and discipline.”

Along with his physical strength, Smith has worked hard to improve his overall endurance.

“The biggest hurdle I had to overcome would have to be my stamina,” stressed Smith. “When playing for a school that had a smaller amount of players on the team compared to other schools, you’re going to most likely have to play on both sides of the ball every game.

“Playing both sides of the ball would make me winded and I had to solve that problem by attending offseason trainings that involved working on your speed and stamina and I even went for runs around my neighborhood sometimes to improve my stamina.”

Catty head coach Joe Henrich appreciated Smith’s worth ethic.

“Braeden [was] a returning starter in the offensive line,” said Henrich. “He is a great kid, a member of our leadership council and an awesome teammate. Always a hard worker and a positive influence.”

Smith credits his start and success to his mother, Amanda Nonnemacher, who has been a constant support in his life.

“The person who has had the most influence on my football career would be my mom,” emphasized Smith. “My mom has been supporting me since I’ve first started playing football when I was 7-years-old, she always shows up to my games, took me to practice, and was the one to pay for my football gear.

“She was the one to teach me that you’ll have to work harder than everyone else if you want to achieve your goals, I’m very grateful for my mom and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without her.”

Smith and the Rough Riders managed to make the district playoffs this season but had a tough draw against the top team. Still, he saw the potential.

“The team has a lot of potential, and we have a lot of talent across the team,” said Smith.

Now, Smith and the team will get ready for another tough draw, the Konkrete Kids on Thanksgiving Day.