HENDERSONVILLE — Ace Smith's eyes widened as he watched Hendersonville quarterback JaRon Ward send a pass his way while he ran a post route early in the first quarter against West Henderson on Aug. 28.
Smith made the catch, but a West Henderson defensive back drilled him from behind in an attempt to knock the ball loose.
The defender was unsuccessful. Smith got back to his feet and signaled for a first down after his 23-yard catch.
That moment was nearly a year in the making. Smith was back on the field against West Henderson one day shy of the anniversary of the broken ankle that ended his junior season.
“I was like, I’m ready, I’m back,” Smith said.
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Smith played only two games as a junior before suffering a fractured ankle in a 39-7 win against rival West Henderson on Aug. 29, 2025.
He was upset when he learned he would likely miss the rest of the season, though he held out hope that he could return if the Bearcats made a deep playoff run. Hendersonville's season ended with a 28-27 loss to Lincolnton in the second round.
The hardest part was watching his teammates play without him. They made sure he knew he wouldn't be forgotten, visiting him at home and trying to take his mind off football.
“It meant a lot because I was kind of in a slump when I heard the news,” Smith said.
Smith found other ways to contribute. Hendersonville coach Kirron Ward said the receiver never missed a practice or game while recovering, even in cold and rainy weather. He helped coach the wide receivers and defensive backs.
Smith even joked that he needed a Hendersonville polo because he was practically part of the coaching staff.
“He was being silly, but he was also being for real, too,” Kirron Ward said. “Because he was helping the people that were playing in that spot because he still wanted us to win.”
That mix of humor and focus is typical of Smith.
His recovery progressed well enough for him to return for spring practice and summer workouts. But he suffered another setback in July, injuring his hamstring during a 7-on-7 session.
“It was kind of a shock because I didn’t know what it was,” JaRon Ward said. “He had just come off of running a post, coming off limping.”
Kirron Ward was disappointed to see Smith dealing with another injury but was confident he would return.
After spending six months recovering from his broken ankle, Smith was confident he would return from the hamstring injury.
“I knew I was going to come back, so it really wasn't affecting me,” Smith said. “Because I sat out for a good six months before I can even get back on the field, so it was like a short time for me to come back.”
He missed Hendersonville's season opener against East Henderson on Aug. 21. Since returning, Smith has led the Bearcats with 23 receptions for 412 yards and three touchdowns.
“The injury, that time out gave him a deeper sense of appreciation for football because he had to go without it and watch his brothers go to battle without him for 10 games,” Kirron Ward said. “That’s got to be hard for a 16-year-old kid.”
But when Smith returned against West Henderson, he didn't need time to settle in.
“I forgot about the injury as soon as I stepped on the field,” Smith said. “I was ready.”
Zachary Huber is a high school sports reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him at zhuber@gannett.com or follow him on X @zacharyahuber.
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This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: How Ace Smith overcame two injuries to steady Hendersonville football
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
