Caden Smith couldn't have started his senior year at Franklin Regional any better in Week Zero.

The wide receiver and defensive back intercepted three passes, returned one for a touchdown, plus threw a touchdown pass on a trick play to help lead the Panthers to a 41-12 victory over Plum at Panther Stadium.

"I think winning the first game was pretty big for us," Smith said. "We're a pretty young team so it brought our confidence up a lot. Getting the win for our new coaches really brought us together because we got to celebrate a little with them."

Smith's new head coach Lance Getsy was certainly impressed by his outstanding performance.

"Caden is a special player. We knew he was going to make those big plays and he went out there and did it."

The Panthers scored in a variety of ways against the Mustangs starting with a Connor Donnelly two-yard run. Smith played a big role in the next score as he threw a 64-yard touchdown pass to Ayden Hudock on a gadget play which gave Franklin Regional a 14-0 lead.

"When coach Getsy brought the play up in practice, I couldn't of been happier," Smith said. "The execution worked out perfectly. Ayden Hudock, a great wide receiver, was out there wide open and I just knew I had to get it to him because I know he has the speed to get to the end zone quickly so I just tried to throw it right on the money to him."

After Plum returned an interception for a score to cut FR's lead, Zach Bewszka took the ensuing kickoff 79 yards to paydirt to make the score 21-6 after the first quarter.

The lone score in the second quarter came from Smith's dazzling 98-yard interception return for a touchdown as he weaved in and out of Plum players all the way down the field.

"I was playing near the sticks since it was third down and I was telling myself to be patient," Smith explained. "The ball came right in my vision and I just went and got it and tried to weave my way through. I was definitely out of breath... but it was a good tired."

The Mustangs put up the first score of the second half to cut Franklin Regional's advantage to 27-12 in the third quarter but once again the Panthers took the kickoff for a touchdown, this one coming from Hudock who raced 80 yards to give FR a quick answer. Bewszka capped off the scoring with a 15-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Smith is a rare three-sport athlete as he excels in basketball and baseball as well.

"I guess you could say I'm proud of being a three-sport athlete. They are all great, I'm not sure what my favorite is. Whatever is in season is my favorite."

Franklin Regional will travel to Kiski Area this week to meet the Cavaliers in a non-conference game. Smith is confident his team can put up another W in the win column.

"Really, if we come out and play our best football I think we can get the win."

WSN Quick Six Questions

WSN: What do you enjoy most about playing football?

Caden: Going out on the field every Friday night with my brothers.

WSN: What do you enjoy doing away from football and sports?

Caden: I like hanging out with my friends, going out to get food, and playing NBA 2K.

WSN: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

Caden: Moe's. Their Stack is awesome.

WSN: What is your favorite show on Netflix?

Caden: All-American.

WSN: What is a movie that you can quote almost every line from?

Caden: Benchwarmers. When I was younger I used to go through and see how many lines I could say.

WSN: If you won a million dollars, what would be the first thing you'd buy?

Caden: A Tesla. I hate buying gas.

WSN: Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?

Caden: Definitely my Dad. He's always been with me, helping me, pushing me to do better in sports and school. I've always looked up to him. We played a lot of one-one-one growing up. I win most of the games now.

THE FINALISTS

Anthony Govern (Southmoreland): Govern completed 7-of-14 passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns plus ran for three scores in a 47-22 victory over McGuffey.

Carter Green (Penn-Trafford): Green ran for 173 yards and three touchdowns in the Warriors 35-14 win over Norwin.

Cody Rubrecht (Greensburg Salem): Rubrecht caught seven passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns in the Golden Lions 29-14 loss to Hempfield Area.