Colton: a city known for its cement plant. It  makes sense–the school has always had a rock-hard high school football program, winning many CIF Southern Section championships and producing NFL caliber talent while they were at it. Such players as Allen Bradford, Brad Sorenson, and Shareece Wright have recently lit up the NFL stadiums, representing Colton all over the country.  But April 7th was about a different Yellow Jacket: star cornerback Jimmy Smith of the Baltimore Ravens, Colton High class of 2006, and Super Bowl champion.

Smith was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round with the 27th pick of the 2011 draft out of Colorado University. In just his second year he helped the Baltimore Ravens win the SuperBowl making consecutive plays on the goal line showing off that Colton cement brand football and cementing his name in Colton forever.

The NFL, to honor all players that have won superbowls, presents them with a golden football at the high school they came from. So Thursday was all about Jimmy Smith and the presentation of the golden football. There wasn’t a shortage of support with the citizens of Colton coming out to show their pride–even officials from Colton ( even the governor’s office sent officials) to present Smith with the football.

The event brought back some of Smith’s old coaching staff, including CIF-winning head coach Harold Strauss, to share a few words of pride on Smith’s accomplishments. Colton let it be known that they love Jimmy Smith and will always support him.