’27 PK got valuable experience as a sophomore
Blaze Whitaker came from where a ton of PKs come in the HS game; straight off the soccer team. Whitaker’s Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) page reports the left footed, attacking midfielder, was the captain of his soccer team, a 2nd Team All-Stater, and 1st Team All-Region performer in his primary sport. Translation: this dude knows a thing or two about kicking a ball, at least a round one. Whitaker is gaining proficiency kicking an oblong one. Whitaker converted 12-PATs in seven games of varsity run a year ago. With more opportunities and continued practice, this 6’0,” 135-pound PKer may round into a college football prospect at an all important slot.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Morton’s Gap, KY: I knew a coach who had a very clever analogy for the kicking game in football and its importance. At least, I found it clever and quoted it often for years after hearing it.
This guy asked me, “Long, have you ever gotten back some pants from the dry cleaners to find there is a $20.00 bill still in the pocket?” I told him I had.
“Do you remember the feeling of unadulterated glee that gave you; the fact you now had 20-bucks you previously had lost, you previously didn’t even know you were going to have that day?” I, again, responded affirmatively.
“Well that’s like having a skilled place-kicker in high school football. It is like sending your coaching pants to the dry cleaners and getting them back with points in the pocket.”
He continued, “The ability to put points on the scoreboard in the ‘red zone’ when the defense has stopped you, and not have to ‘go for it’ on some obnoxiously hard to convert late down and distance scenario is like finding that $20. You hate to set up a date with your best girlfriend, counting on its being there; but boy, are you glad to discover it when you need it most.”
This coach just knew how to put things. He was right. Having that guy who can put points on the board when other teams can’t can be the difference between winning and losing the championship game. That is why the championship teams are three-phase proficient.
The three phases of football are offense, defense, and special teams. Some coaches spend all their time focusing on offense and defense and use special teams as the opportunity to just throw 11-guys out there in need of snaps. That always proves disastrous.
The great ones, the great coaches, the all-time lifers all know special teams is where the hay is made. It is the opportunity to separate from the opponent. It is the opportunity to gain an edge.
Whitaker played in seven varsity [American] football games and converted 12-PATs
KHSAA Statistical Website
Blaze Whitaker played in seven (7)-games as a sophomore. The “Attacking Midfielder” borrowed from the soccer team converted 12-PATs in the seven (7) games. Whitaker was good on 52% of his attempts.
Central will be looking for much more from the junior in ’25. Whitaker has plenty of leg. His role for the varsity soccer team demonstrates that fully.
Whitaker played varsity soccer this spring. According to his NCSA page, the rising junior was 2nd Team All-State in soccer and 1st Team All-Region.
Whitaker understands performing at high athletic levels. Whitaker understands performing under the pressure of high expectations.
We believe Whitaker is perfectly suited for his role on this football team. You might say, he’s the man for the job.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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