TUCSON, Ariz. — Alex Withers' dad, Rod Smith, hasn't seen him play in person all season. That changes tonight.
Smith, wife Charlene, daughter Sasha, family members and friends will be at Arizona Stadium for the Arizona Class 4A state championship game.
Withers is a starting cornerback for Tucson Salpointe Catholic, which plays power Scottsdale Saguaro for the championship. It's a rematch of the 2017 game, won by Saguaro.
Withers understands why his dad couldn't be there earlier.
Smith took over the Illinois football team's offense this season, boosting the Illini to second in the Big Ten in rushing.