We know what you’re thinking: special teams? Isn’t that kickers and punters and stuff? Well, reader, to put it simply: yes. And while that may not be as exciting as big-hitting defense and explosive offense, special teams could very well be the difference in this game. Here’s how:
Poly’s Kick/Punt/Return Team
Poly has an advantage in this department over most teams they play because of one player, or rather, one foot: David Skara’s. The senior is the team’s punter and kicker, and he has performed admirably in both capacities this season, with a per-punt average of nearly 50 yards—33% of his punts have pinned opponents inside the 20, which could be important in a field position battle, if that’s how this game goes. Skara has also neutralized many opponents’ return game by knocking most kickoffs into (or in some cases, out of) the end zone: nearly 80% of his kickoffs have been touchbacks. Throw in that Skara has the kicking power to put in field goals from pretty far back (just last week he made a 42-yarder against Esperanza, and he’s nailed 50 yards-plus in practice). In a tight, defensive game, Skara’s left foot could be an important component.
On the receiving end of the kicking/punting game, Poly is no slouch. Kaelin Clay and Jordan Johnson, Poly’s top two receivers, are both solid return men with the speed to cut loose if they see daylight. Johnson has also been a pretty good punt returner—but it’s Darius Williams-Fox, one of Poly’s top two corners, that could break the game open. He doesn’t get put back there much, but we’ve seen two enormous returns by him that were called back due to holding penalties. If he gets his hands on one and his blockers can convince the refs to keep their hankies in their belts, he could be a game-changer.
Watch for: Skara’s left shoe—it’ll be easy to notice since it’s fluorescent green-yellow. If this is a close game, Poly will have the advantage in the kicking game.
Lakewood’s Kick/Punt/ReturnTeam
We’ve been hailing Lakewood’s offense as the most complete in the Pac-5—which it is. But one glaring hole in the Lancers squad this season has been special teams. Punter Jesus Orozco had a good enough leg, but would hold the ball too long before punting, leading to block opportunities—which Poly took advantage of in their first meeting. They’ve since switched punters to Ron Lewis, who is averaging 36 yards per punt, and whose delivery is a little speedier. Still, a low snap in the first Poly/Lakewood game led to another big play, as Orozco took a knee while fielding the ball. He still kicks field goals and is a good enough kicker, but the Lancers won’t ask him to attempt many that are more than chip shots.
On the flip side, their return game has been phenomenal—he’s not a big guy, but receiver Kevin Anderson has done a pretty good Devin Hester impersonation a few times this season. His return team blocks very well for him (nobody runs the wedge like Lakewood), and if he finds a seam, nobody’s going to catch him. Dion Bailey and Jerry Stone have both also returned kicks, so you know Lakewood is going to want to get their hands on a Skara kickoff—most teams haven’t gotten that this season, but watch out if they do.
Watch for: Protection and timing from the punt team. If they can sew up this glaring problem from the first match, you’ll see just how far the Lancers have come. If they can return a Skara kick, be sure to pay attention—with the ball in Anderson’s hands, you’ll want to make sure you’re up for the kickoff.