Connor Smith threw an interception Friday night and slowly jogged to the position on the field where the defender who just caught his ball was standing. Smith had little time to think about his mistake. He was about to try and get one of his own.

Sure enough, doubling as a safety on top of his quarterback duties, the senior went out on the next drive and snatched an interception to give his team the ball back.

Playing multiple positions isn’t a new concept, but Smith has perfected the trifecta. He roams center field as a ball-hawking safety, takes the snaps under center at quarterback and, when the offense stalls, is the guy who punts the ball away.

He’s not just going through the motions, either. The reigning Vicksburg Post Offensive Player of the Year has passed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing, has 952 passing and leads Warren County in punting average and interceptions.

His versatility has been vital to St. Aloysius’ 11-1 season that continued last Friday with a convincing 35-12 win over Coldwater in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs.

Smith rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown and also hauled in three interceptions.

“It’s been great,” Smith said of his 2014 season. “I know last year I had a pretty good year and I did get a little recognition, but this year I knew if I wanted to play at the next level I was going to have to put up a lot of yardage to try to get some attention. I’ve just been trying to play at the highest level every single game.”

There’s really not that many things Smith hasn’t done at a high level. He’s got 20 total touchdowns, the most of anyone in Warren County, and is averaging 10.8 yards per carry.

Smith is on pace to both run and throw for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season.

His dual threat ability has carried St. Al to its best start since 1981 and has played an integral role in their offense overwhelming teams week after week.

“I think it puts a lot of pressure on the defense, especially for me playing defense,” Smith said. “I know a dual threat quarterback is something that’s really scary — a guy who can run. I know that puts a lot of pressure on the defense.”

He’s not afraid to tell you when he burns you with his legs or flies in front of one of your errant throws for an interception. Smith is the first to admit he likes to talk. But he’s also not afraid to take the reins of the locker room as the Flashes continue their playoff march on the road at Broad Street on Friday night.

“Everybody knows the quarterback should try to put the team on his back and be a leader and that’s what I try to do,” Smith said. “I know I’m a real fiery guy on the field and sometimes that gets to me, but I just do my best to try and lead the team. I try to keep everybody in shape. Everybody will keep their head if I keep my head. I just try and do what I can and lead these guys.”