When Lewis Matthews speaks, the rest of Ferriday High School’s football team listens.

The rising senior knows just his place on the Trojans’ defense and isn’t going to let anything stand in his way during his final campaign.

“This year I have to step up for my fellow teammates,” Matthews said. “People look up to me, and they listen. They see me, and I guess it motivates them to do what I do.”

After Matthews’ accomplishments last season, Ferriday coach Stanley Smith expects a lot of the middle linebacker.

Matthews was named LHSAA District 2-2A All-District Defensive MVP while racking up 82 solo and 106 total tackles, with 22 being for a loss. He also ended the season with three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

“It’s big to have someone with a lot of experience,” Smith said. “It kind of makes me comfortable to put a lot on him. That’s the heart and soul of the defense, and I think he is going to be able to handle it.”

While Smith is in just his first-year as the Trojans’ head coach — taking over the program in late March — he knows what Matthews can accomplish because he’s been there himself.

Smith played middle linebacker during his senior year at Ferriday and during that time, set single-season school records for total tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles.

“(Matthews) has a little more range (than I did),” Smith said. “I have seen him make some great cuts and drops, and he has some things with athleticism that I don’t think I could do. I want to coach the guy who breaks my records. I want to see them go down.”

Matthews said to have someone who understands his position is a great help.

“I’ve been trying to stand up to him and tell him I will beat his records,” he said. “He just pushes me harder and harder, so I have a feeling I am going to break them.”

Matthews said is he also channeling motivation after suffering a shoulder injury during Ferriday’s last game of the year against Madison Prep. He had surgery in late December.

“I had to go through so much physically therapy,” he said. “It felt like I was at an extra practice, but I have to get back on the field and do what I have to do for my senior year.”

With his last day of physically therapy set for this Tuesday, now there’s nothing holding Matthews back.

“This is my last year, so I have to go all out,” he said. “I’m ready for Friday nights, and I know I’m ready to compete.”