Jake Smith and Nick Graziano are senior leaders of Shaker football team
LATHAM - Shaker football players Jake Smith and Nick Graziano address their teammates each day before practice begins. It is something they asked to do and something coach Greg Sheeler wholeheartedly endorsed. He trusts the two senior running backs in their role as team leaders and says they set the tone for the team.
The Blue Bison (6-0 overall, 5-0 Class AA) are ranked No. 7 in the state and play their biggest game of the season Friday on Senior Night when they host No. 5-ranked Christian Brothers Academy (5-0, 5-0).
"We know this isn't the game to decide the rest of our season, but we do want the one seed going into the playoffs," Smith said. "Ultimately, we will probably have to face them again."
"This is the moment to show everyone what we are all about," Graziano said.
Throughout their final season competing for the Blue Bison on the football field, Smith and Graziano have produced quality results and been the driving forces behind the team's weekly preparations.
"We sat down with each other and weren't happy with how our season ended last year. For our senior year, we really wanted to make a change," said Graziano, who also is a standout at linebacker. "Our most important thing during the offseason was trying to get all the guys as bought in as we were in the weight room. Coming into the season, I was more worried about everyone around me doing better than I am myself. Jake is as well. That is why we are thriving right now."
"We are blessed that everyone respects us in that way," Smith said. "I think I am more happy with how we are leading the team than anything we are doing."
"There is so much mutual respect between the two of them and they really feed off each other's energy," Sheeler said. "When one is up or one is down, they kind of pick each other up. They gravitate to each other in the weight room. They are two kids that have a very common goal and a similar mindset."
Smith, who tops the team in both rushing and receiving yards, missed the bulk of his junior season with a broken collarbone suffered in Shaker's Week 0 win against Whitesboro. He vowed to return for his senior season and produce big. Smith has carried the ball 42 times for 613 yards and seven touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns. He says Graziano's friendship is vital to him.
"He was right by my side throughout the whole thing letting me know he is always there for me," Smith said. "Right before the Averill Park game last year, I was watching everyone getting ready. I left the locker room crying thinking, 'This sucks that I can't play.' Nick has been there with me every step of the way."
"We took every weight room opportunity together and worked during the offseason together," Graziano said. "When he got hurt last year, I could put myself in his shoes so I knew the situation he was in. I really just try to be there for him at all times. Seeing him taking the field with me this year has been unmatched."
"Jake is a fierce competitor. He is a great runner and receiver who can do it on the inside or outside," Sheeler said. "He is one of those kids who wants the opportunity. He wants the ball. Jake is a very confident young man who wants the ball in a tough spot and he feels like he is the one that can push us over the top whether it be a first down or a touchdown."
Smith and Graziano, whose friendship began playing basketball together when they were 9, now get to share the backfield together. Smith is reveling in seeing his best friend excel in his fullback duties as Graziano has run the ball 20 times for 233 yards and three touchdowns. He scored two touchdowns last week in a 26-14 win against Averill Park.
"When Coach Sheeler talked to me about making the switch to fullback, where I would be getting the chance to take the backfield with my best friend and a guy I have been working with, it was amazing," Graziano said.
"He is my brother for life. He is there for me all the time. Now on the field, he is lead blocking for me. I do the same thing for him," Smith said. "I enjoy watching him succeed more than myself succeed."
"Nick really has a deep insight into the game and the schematics," Sheeler said. "We moved him to fullback and he had success with how much he blocked. He is a heck of an athlete, which helped him as well."
This story was originally published October 17, 2024, 8:42 PM.
