The difference between the top football teams in the Summit Athletic Conference – which could be six to eight teams, depending on your perspective – is miniscule at best.
That tiny difference on a given Friday night comes down to a few select situations.
“There are five to seven plays a game that determine a win or a loss,” Homestead coach Chad Zolman said.
We think of those five to seven plays being long runs, touchdown passes, sacks or interceptions, something from the offense or the defense. But how often does one of those game-changers come via special teams? The answer: Every week.
Look no further than two weeks ago when Bishop Luers’ kicker Carter Drake’s 29-yard field goal beat Homestead as time expired.
Every team in the SAC has a player or two who excels in those special teams settings, whether as a kicker, a punter, a kick returner, a kickoff-team gunner or an unsung blocker.
Here’s a look around the conference at some of each school’s standout special teams players, with input from SAC coaches:
MICHAEL GARRETT, Bishop Dwenger
Garrett was 3-for-3 in field goals in the Saints’ 23-10 win over Homestead last week, with a 41-yarder ranking as the second-longest of his career. He hit a 42-yarder last season. He has also hit 9-of-10 extra points this season. Garrett’s reliability kept boosting Dwenger’s spirits as it engaged in a primarily defensive-dominated battle with Homestead.
CARTER DRAKE, BEN JOHNSON and JOSH DIPPOLD, Bishop Luers
These three have been essential to Luers’ 3-1 start, even beyond Drake’s game-winner against Homestead.
Drake, a junior, is 15-for-15 in extra points and 2-of-3 in field goals, despite being a first-year kicker off the soccer team. Johnson, another junior, has a 33.5 yards per punt average and has pinned four inside the 20-yard line. Opponents have returned only 28 punt return yards this season.
Dippold makes sure everything is in place as a holder on kicks and a contributor everywhere. “He plays nearly every special teams down and plays them hard,” Luers coach Kyle Lindsay said.
TREVOR HORTON, Carroll
Horton’s foot is invaluable to the Chargers. He has made 14 of 16 extra points and 2-of-3 field goals. As a punter, he has launched 11 punts for 308 total yards, pinning two inside the 20. When it comes to key kicks and field position, Horton takes care of business.
MASON KASCHINSKE, Concordia
Kaschinske has hit 14 of 15 extra points and connected on his only field-goal attempt. He also averages 40 yards per kickoff and has two kickoffs for touchbacks.
“Mason is having a great year for us,” coach Tim Mannigel said.
CAM SHANNON, Homestead
Shannon is one of the most dangerous return men in the SAC. He has returned 13 kickoffs for 335 yards, with a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown. He has six punt returns for 42 yards.
“He is capable of breaking it for a score every time on kickoff return or punt return,” Zolman said.
THEO REDMOND, North Side
Redmond puts in a solid performance weekly on defense for the Legends, but he also is a key member of the return game. He has five kickoff returns for 82 yards.
“Theo Redmond is all over the field for us,” North coach Michael Brevard said. “He returns kicks, plays safety, and is on majority of the special teams. He is a kid that just loves the game and will do anything for the team.”
TYLER TAPP and GABE LARSEN, Northrop
Tapp is a four-year player who contributes on the kickoff return and punting units. Larsen, another four-year player, is part of the kickoff return and field goal and extra point units. Those two help open the way with blocking for the Bruins’ kick returners, including Davieun Berry, who has five returns for 206 yards and a touchdown.
“Our kickoff return team has been very good all season long and these two, both on the front line of that team, are a big reason why,” Northrop coach Jason Doerffler said.
ALONZO DERRICK, Snider
Here’s another dangerous return man. Derrick has blossomed as receiver in the Panthers’ offense, but he is especially effective in establishing field position and more as a return man. He has six punt returns for 178 yards and an 80-yard touchdown. He has taken four kickoffs for 65 yards, with a long of 28.
“He’s undersized but quick and fast,” Snider coach Kurt Tippmann said. “He’s a track athlete, as well. Great kid.”
EVERETT MERRITT and GREG HUMPHREY, South Side
Merritt and Humphrey are threats anytime they touch the ball. Merritt has 12 kickoff returns for 241 yards (20.1 per return) with a 50-yard return. Humphrey has eight kickoff returns for 242 yards (30.3 per return) with a long of 94 yards and a score.
RONALD ELLIOTT and DRE WALTON, Wayne
Elliott has five kickoff returns for 214 yards (42.8 per return) and two touchdowns, including a 90-yarder. Walton helps lead the way.
“Dre currently has four pancake blocks on kickoff return,” Wayne coach Derrick Moore said.
Thanks to those two and more, Wayne has playmakers on offense, defense and special teams who can deliver one of those five to seven plays a game that make a difference.
Feature photo of Ronald Elliott by Reggie Hayes
