For the past three weeks I have been getting work in with my new Long Snapper (Matt Dahlby) and my new holder (Johnny Corte). So far things have been great. I’m very happy with all of the progress that we have been making as a unit.
It’s one thing to kick from my sticks, but working with a live snap and hold is really what it’s all about. We started working in the mornings on Wednesday’s at 7:30 am with my kicking coach Sam Watts. We are getting used to a new tactic called “mayday” where you run out onto the field with only a few seconds left as if it were the end of the game with time running out. This helps simulate real game pressure.
Impressive chemistry with these 3 Saguaro HS specialists. Training as a unit since March 7th, not always perfect but smooth for all being sophomores. Snapper @MDahlby51 holder @johnny_corte kicker @ParkerLewi pic.twitter.com/A3Lni39Xk3
— Sam Watts (@SamWattsSTA) April 17, 2018
I am also working on my tempo so every kick is consistent. Because we’re working hard together, I feel that our special team unit work will pay big dividends this season. I have become very comfortable kicking from the ground and don’t think I will ever use the kicking block again.
Our team is also half way through “Zero Dark Thursday.” ZDT starts at 6:30 and goes until 7:30 am every Thursday. We started March 22nd and will continue with ZDT until April 26, just before spring ball begins.
After the 2013 season ended with a state championship, Coach (Jason) Mohns wanted to do something to challenge his team both mentally and physically. He named it after the movie “Zero Dark Thirty.”
This workout is based on the military/boot camp style workouts from the movie. The Marines are ran our ZDT last week. These workouts are extremely tough but give you a great feeling of success once you are finished.
Last weekend was great as I traveled to Southern California with my teammates Kelee Ringo and Damian Sellers to watch the USC spring game, which also served as my unofficial visit.
This week I’m continuing to prepare for spring ball, plus getting ready for the Kohl’s Western Spring Showcase on May 5th. This is another serious ranking camp for kickers and punters.
Photo courtesy of Joe McInerney
by Parker Lewis
Follow on Twitter @ParkerLewi
Editor’s Note: Parker Lewis is a Class of 2020 Kicker/Punter at Saguaro High School in Arizona. Kohl’s Kicking Camps has him listed as a 5-star K/P.
