LANTANA- Santaluces wide receiver Ana’Tay Smith (’25) is your 561 Week 9 MVP!
Smith was voted as MVP by 36 percent of our viewers. For those that do not know, you can find all of our weekly superlatives on the New Era Prep Twitter account!
Photo Credits: Dan Calvelli
When asked about being named this weeks MVP Ana’Tay said:
“Being named this weeks MVP means a lot to me, people are starting to notice my name.” Smith said. “It’s a huge accomplishment and I’m thankful for the nomination and for the people that voted for me.”
Smith is a 6 foot speedy receiver from Santaluces High. Ana’Tay has received seven Division I offers including: FAU, Bowling Green, Western Kentucky, West Virginia, Western Michigan, UMass and Pitt.
After losing their starting quarterback to injury in Week 8, Ana’Tay had to step up as the emergency QB at Santaluces. In the Chiefs’ Week 9 victory on the road against district rival Spanish River, (October 19), Ana’Tay Smith showed how dynamic of a playmaker he is. QB1 Smith dominated in the air and on the ground against the Sharks’ defense completing:
10/18 passes for 166yds and 3 Touchdown’s
11 carries for 137yds and 2 Touchdown’s
When asked about having to step into this role and lead his team to victory, Ana’Tay said:
“I never really had to think about Shy getting hurt, but when my brother went down, I knew I had to play his roll and lead our team just like he would at the QB spot.” Smith said. “We started off slow at the beginning of the game, but I trust my coaches and teammates with my life. We ended up coming together and playing our type of ball and dominating our opponent.”
Smith has become one of Palm Beach County’s most electric players. In a receiver loaded ’25 class, he has stood out among the rest as a selfless leader who’s willing to step up for his team that consistently makes the big play. I’ve had the privilege of watching Smith for the past two seasons, and he’s always shone in the big moment. Even though he is a quiet and reserved person when the pads are off, the second Ana’Tay steps on field he becomes the voice of the Santaluces Chiefs.
Ana’Tay Smith and the Santaluces Chiefs will travel to Park Vista on Friday October 27. Kickoff for the Chiefs final district matchup is slated for 6:30 P.M.
PHOTO CREDITS: Dan Calvelli
VIDEO CREDITS: Isaac Edelman, Kevin Fielder
COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Christian Proscia
