[Stardust]

Harlan County football standout Michael Smith’s stellar play for the Black Bears continues to receive recognition as the senior offensive lineman was recently invited to participate in the ‘Down Under Bowl’ in Australia.

The 6-4, 300-pound tackle anchored Bears’ line, helping to clear the way for an offense that amassed 5,626 total yards and 40 points per game last season. He also recorded 79 pancake blocks last season.

The ‘Down Under Bowl’ was inaugurated in 1989 and was established to promote football to the people of New Zealand and Australia. The event is in its 23rd year of competition with teams from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand invited to participate. Teams are divided into brackets of four, with each team playing in two games. Games are played according to High School Federation Rules. This year’s competition will be held in July.

Prior standouts of the Down Under Bowl include Jake “The Snake” Plummer - former quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Ahman Green - running back for the Green Bay Packers, and Rob Morris - 2007 Super Bowl Champ with the Indianapolis Colts.

In addition to the ‘Down Under Bowl,’ Smith participated in the Border Bowl between Kentucky and Tennessee at the University of the Cumberlands this offseason. He was also named to the Courier Journal first-team and was an AP All-State second team selection

Smith has signed to play football at the University of Pikeville next season.

Read more: The Harlan Daily Enterprise - Smith to compete in Down Under Bowl