NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School quarterback Johnny Smith’s story is well documented amongst Rebels fans.

Forced to play in the first game of last season after then-senior quarterback Kent Yates broke his left arm, Smith took the reigns at quarterback until Yates returned later that year. With Yates graduating in May, Smith is now focusing on the role of a full-time starter.

Smith said his summer workout sessions have been focused on trying to make him a faster quarterback and more versatile in the pocket.

“I’ve always been slow, so I’m working on plyometrics and agility drills,” Smith said. “I’m lifting and running, and working on fixing my form with running. It’s always better to have a faster quarterback.”

Smith, who transferred to ACCS from Cathedral School his ninth-grade year, said last year’s experience started out tough and got better as things went on.

“At first I was nervous,” Smith said. “I didn’t have much high school experience, but (ACCS center) Corvan Day and the team really helped me out a lot, and I got a lot better.”

While the nerves might go away after the first play for some players, Smith said it wasn’t until his first positive play that the nerves left him.

“It gets better after the first snap, but if it’s a bad play, it gets worse,” Smith said. “And my first snap was an interception, so I figured it would all get better from there.”

The Rebels won their first game last season against CENLA Christian Academy 53-50, and went on to have an 8-4 season. During the season, Smith said he learned a lot about what being a quarterback means for a team.

“You learn how to manage a team, and you have to make sure everyone knows what to do and that they’re in the right place,” Smith said. “If everyone’s not ready, you have to (be able to recognize that).”

ACCS head coach Paul Hayles said he was very impressed with how Smith responded to being thrust into the starting role.

“Johnny has the perception of being a carefree kid, but he very much cares about his sports,” Hayles said.

“He did a great job as a junior quarterback, and he was top notch in stepping up for us. I look for him to have an outstanding year and to grow even more as a leader.”

Smith is also a placekicker for the Rebels, giving him to pressure-filled positions. But Smith said he’s not bothered by the pressure.

“At quarterback, you’re always going to have pressure on you,” Smith said. “You have to make sure the ball gets there. We don’t kick a lot of field goals, because there aren’t many opportunities for them, so I mainly just kick PATs.”

Smith also plays soccer and baseball for ACCS.