Brittany Smith

(Mayfield KY, August 29, 2012) PUTTING HERSELF ON THE LINE – Graves County Middle School seventh grader Brittany Smith is the first girl to play football at her school since it consolidated in 1996 from seven elementary schools. She also played at one of those schools, Lowes Elementary, starting in the third grade. She plays on the offensive line as a guard or tackle and as a tackle or end on defense.

“I like to tackle people because it’s fun,” she said with a grin. She acknowledged that her new teammates “are shocked to see a girl on their team,” but she added, “they treat me fine.”

She believes other girls also would enjoy gridiron glory, if they only would choose to play.

Asked whether she worries about injury, she responded, “No, because you’re not supposed to be whining about it; you’re supposed to just walk it off.”