BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cherryroad.com
Football players called for key special teams positions have to have an equally special set of skills.
Good hands, composure, consistency and playmaking ability are just a few of the things Cassville Coach Clay Weldy looks for in his returners, kicker, punter and long snapper.
“Returning, we will have a look at several guys,” he said. “Jake Anthonysz, Garrett Ewing, Hernan Hernandez, Trey Wilson and Kyle Bailey should all get some time. We started working special teams more in the last week, and as we get closer to the season starting, we will nail down who will return for both, or who will do just kickoff or just punt.”
Weldy said for returning punts, there is an added requirement — guts.
“The big thing for a punter is to have the guts to catch a ball when guys are all around them,” he said. “Kickoffs are further back and less stressful to catch. A good punter can squib or kick high, and you have to see where guys are and, without getting frazzled, know whether to fair catch or get yards on return, and don’t lose precious yards.”
For kickoff return, the expectations include good decision- making, but with big game possibility.
“On kickoffs, someone can do something with the ball in their hands, spark a play,” Weldy said.
On the other end of the line, punting for the Wildcats will be handled by 2021 Second Team All-Conference honoree Hernandez, long-snapped by returner Isaac Hadlow.
“Hernan does a great job with getting punts off and not getting them blocked,” Weldy said. “With our rugby-style punts, it’s designed to not give any opportunity for a return, giving us more time to get where the ball is going to be.
“For Isaac, the big thing is consistency. We can’t have snaps just rolling back or flying over our guy’s head. We need snaps with velocity to his chest. Those are the kinds of guys we like for snapper, and Isaac is doing a good job at that.”
Teeing off for the Wildcats will be a senior, Peter Littlefield, who has kicked since his sophomore season and is gaining the consistency his coach wants.
“He got really consistent with extra points by the end of last year, so we hope to see more of that,” Weldy said. “In practice, he’s hitting field goals from about 40, but that is without pads. I think he can be in the 30- to 40-yard range this season.”
Weldy also emphasized kickoffs, especially getting as many touchbacks as possible.
“Peter was putting the ball in the end zone late last year,” Weldy said. “That’s a huge weapon because you automatically force a team to go 80 yards on your defense, and you take away any chance of a big play on a return.”
Editor’s Note: This story is the fifth of a five-part series breaking down position groups within the Cassville football team.
