Armwood star linebacker hospitalized since Tuesday

By JOE SMITH, Times Staff Writer
Published September 20, 2007

Armwood junior Petey Smith, one of the state's top linebackers, has been hospitalized the past two days with what coach Sean Callahan labeled an "abdominal infection."

Smith, who is doubtful for Friday's game against Newsome, was admitted late Tuesday morning. Callahan said doctors have performed some tests, ruling out appendicitis, and they're "just trying to figure things out."

"It's another week, another type of adversity," said Callahan, who was with Smith at the hospital. "We're just hoping he'll get out of there soon."

Smith, a 6-foot, 230-pound standout, recently was named one of rivals.com's "Top 100 to Watch" for the class of 2009. The brother of Hawks tailback Eric Smith, Petey has been offered by Ohio State and Florida.

Armwood (3-0), ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 28 in the nation, hosts the upstart Wolves (3-0) Friday. Smith would be one of four starters out, joining defensive end Sergio Joyner (knee), strong safety Aaron Duncan (ankle) and fullback Matt Eastman (shoulder).

[Last modified September 19, 2007, 22:38:23]