Brothers ready to square off on opposite sides of gridiron

By Case Keefer (contact)

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

The last time Chris Smith and Ian Ross played on opposing teams, it didn’t go so well.

Ross, a junior defensive back for Coronado High, and Smith, Ross’ adoptive brother and junior quarterback/receiver at Liberty, have played on the same teams their entire lives — except once.

When they were both 11-years old and growing up in Little Rock, Ark., they were assigned to different baseball teams. They played against each other in one game that season and will never forget what happened.

Ross settled into the batter’s box and prepared for Smith’s first pitch.

“He tried to throw a curve ball,” Ross said. “And it hit me right in the head.”

Although that contact might have been accidental, Smith is making it no secret that he plans to attack his brother in Thursday night’s game between Liberty (5-3) and Coronado (3-4).

It will only be the second time the brothers have ever played against each other in a team sport.

“He can say whatever he wants to say. He’s just not going to back it up,” Smith said. “When we get on the field, it’s all business. We aren’t friends.”

The unique situation arose when Liberty and Coronado established an open transfer policy last spring.

Smith played at Coronado last year, but was unhappy with the Cougars’ disappointing season. He wanted to switch to Liberty.

Dwight Ross, Chris and Ian’s father, eventually warmed up to the idea right before the April 1 deadline to file the paperwork. Now, the question was whether Ian would join him.

Ian didn’t want to leave.

“It was whatever he wanted to do,” Dwight Ross said. “We gave him hell. We said he’s only staying because he’s in love.”

Ian Ross said that was not the reason, but that he decided to stay because he thought Coronado would be much improved this season. Smith was confident winning would come easier at Liberty.

So far, Smith has been right. The Patriots have clinched their first playoff berth in school history and knocked off previously undefeated Del Sol 24-21 last week.

Meanwhile, Coronado has struggled. After winning their first two games, the Cougars dropped five straight before beating Chaparral 53-0 last week.

Upsetting Liberty would serve as a memorable moment in an otherwise forgettable season for Coronado.

“It used to be Liberty and Coronado was not a big deal,” Dwight Ross said. “Now, it’s become the biggest rivalry. Now, Coronado is out to get Liberty.”

Smith is one of seven players on Liberty’s roster who transferred from Coronado. The game is something everyone on both rosters has looked forward to for months.

Especially in one household.

“He can’t hold me,” Smith said. “No one in our conference can hold me.”