Panthers' Smith a hit with Mallard Creek team

(By Langston Wertz Jr., lwertz@charlotteobserver.com) Mallard Creek High sophomore Mohammad Sirleaf was rather popular Tuesday at school. Everyone was patting him on the back, giving him hugs and handshakes, saying thanks.Sirleaf, 15, submitted the winning essay in the "Powerade Steve Smith Coach For The Day" contest. That meant Smith, the Carolina Panthers All-Pro receiver, was coming to Mallard Creek to give the team a pep talk and plenty of hands-on instruction.