Media Day picture courtesy of Charla Shults
Gameday picture courtesy of Andrew Wilson
Every Friday evening in the fall you will see a player wearing #32. This number is special in Pampa High School Football history as it is the jersey number worn by Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Zach Thomas. As a tribute to Zach, the Pampa High School football program will be retiring #32 from the jersey circulation. From this day forward, jersey #32 will be worn every Friday night by a different individual. That individual embodies that competitive spirit which Zach Thomas displayed every Friday night in the fall. The individual will be voted on by the coaching staff.
The second individual to be selected by the coaching staff for this 2026 season to have the honor of wearing #32 will be Ira Smith, Senior Outside Linebacker and Wide Receiver. He normally bears #19 but for the second game against Dalhart on Friday he will be wearing the Zach Thomas #32. Just like Cy LeBlanc, Ira Smith is a team captain this season.
How does it feel for Smith to be the next one selected?
“It makes me feel honored that they trust my leadership and my hard work to honor and wear number 32,” Smith said. “It means that they have seen that my hard work and leadership are paying off.”
Ira also runs track for the Harvester track team.
“I also run track and compete in a lot of different events. My main two are the 400 (meter dash) and triple jump, where I will try to break the triple jump school record,” Smith said.
He plans to attend, and possibly compete, at the college level.
“I’m giving my best effort to try to get the chance to play in college. If offered, I will take that chance,” Smith said. “I’d like to go to Texas A&M for nuclear engineering, but if it’s for sports, I will take the best school that offers me.”
What are some things he likes to do outside of school?
“Outside of football and school, I like to go to church, hang out with friends, watch sports and do any athletic activities that I can,” Smith said.
His favorite subject is Math.
“My favorite subject is math because it’s like solving puzzles, and it’s easy to me.”
Anything else he wanted to share?
“I’d like to thank my coaches and everyone who has given me the opportunity to be able to wear number 32,” Smith said.
Here is what Pampa’s Outside Linebacker Coach Steve Barton had to say about Ira Smith:
“Ira has proven that true leadership isn’t just about making plays—it’s about making everyone around you better. As our Rebel linebacker, Ira brings toughness, discipline, intensity, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates every time he steps on the field. His exceptional effort and consistency have made him a player we can count on when it matters most. Being elected by his teammates as a Team Captain is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the respect he has earned in our program. Ira leads by example, plays with heart, and represents what it means to be a Rebel. He isn’t just having an exceptional season—he is becoming the kind of leader that leaves a lasting mark on his team,” Barton said. “And now, Ira gets to wear the #32 jersey—a number that represents the responsibility, pride, and leadership he has earned. Wearing #32 isn’t just about the number on his back; it’s about the standard he sets every time he takes the field. I could not be prouder of him, and I am so excited to get to coach him.”
What does the Rebel linebacker do in the Pampa defense?
“In a very concise nutshell, in a 3-4 defense, the Rebel Back is an attacking linebacker who sets the edge, controls the C-gap, pressures the QB, and can drop into coverage. His primary job is to force the play inside while creating pressure and making plays in space,” Barton said.
