Like uncle, like nephew: Another Smith knocks out Rusea’s again in Ben Francis Cup

For the Smith family, history has a beautiful way of repeating itself, especially when Rusea’s High School are the opponents.

Four years after his uncle, Carlington Smith, etched his name into Old Harbour High’s folklore with a dazzling double against Rusea’s, 17-year-old Rayjay delivered a carbon copy performance on Saturday.

The young utility player scored the decisive goal to propel Old Harbour to a 2-1 victory over their rivals at the Linval Dixon Oval, securing their spot in the next round of the ISSA Ben Francis knockout competition.

The parallel to 2022 is undeniable. Back then, it was Carlington who scored in the 32nd minute and then again in the fifth minute of extra time to secure a 2-1 win in the Ben Francis Cup knockout final.

On Saturday, Rayjay ensured the family legacy of tormenting Rusea’s would continue.

“It feels good to know that I came and did the same thing that my uncle did four years ago,” said a beaming Rayjay after the match. “It’s a family thing.”

Indeed.

Football runs deep in the Smith bloodline. Former national player Carlington went on to play professionally for Portmore United and Joe Public in Trinidad, while Rayjay’s father, Preston Smith, was a former goalkeeper for Village United, Waterhouse FC and Old Harbour High.

Now, the latest generation is making his own mark.

“I feel proud,” Rayjay added. “It’s a footballing family.”

The victory avenges a disappointing end to last season for Old Harbour, who failed to go all the way despite showing promise. Rayjay believes the mindset has shifted this year.

“We are looking to make up for last season’s disappointment,” he said. “This year the team is more focused, and we have a talented squad.”

That talent was on full display earlier this month at the ISSA Super Saturdays Festival, where Old Harbour turned heads nationally. They stunned traditional powerhouse Jamaica College, 1-0, before dismantling St George’s College 3-1, signalling their arrival as genuine contenders.

Assistant coach Keith Hibbert attributes the surge to long-term planning and institutional support.

“With the backing of the principal, the team is better prepared, and they have been putting in the work,” Hibbert explained. “It has been a seven-year programme that is bearing fruit.”