There's no question he has a big leg, and he hit it with ease, but that field goal was a little wind aided too.

Hey, that still counts!!!!!!!!

Sparks from Raceland is a good kicker.....

I'll go so far to say he is the best Straight-On kicker I have seen in 10 years... the kid has legit range to 50 yards which is unheard of from that type of kicker, supposedly he was hitting from 52 yards in warm-ups Friday night. I like to refer to Earnest as the " Throwback Smashmoputh Kicker" HAHA

 

As for the traditional soccer style kicker, the Merrick kid and McNutt kid alone have proven themselves to be an asset with their performances thusfar and their Summer Camps. Also, throw in the kicker for Raceland, the kicker at Dunbar, and it seems that caoches are finally catching the boat on just how important special teams and field -position can be. It's a sure fire sign that kentucky football as a whole is improving.

 

Tom Dempsey would have something to say about the distance for straight on kickers. Also Jim Thorpe, who supposedly kicked some field goals of 50 and beyond.

 

The Raceland kicker you are speaking of, Jacob Sparks, is very good as you said. He can hit from at least 55 and touchbacks are routine.

 

 

Tom Dempsey would have something to say about the distance for straight on kickers. Also Jim Thorpe, who supposedly kicked some field goals of 50 and beyond.

 

The Raceland kicker you are speaking of, Jacob Sparks, is very good as you said. He can hit from at least 55 and touchbacks are routine.

 

 

Well Earnest hit a 50 yarder Saturday vs. Shelby Valley... and if Jim Thrope and Tom Dempsey are the bench marks for 50 aydrs then I'd say he made case for being one daggone good straight ahead kicker!:thumb:

 

What are the odds? Belfry not only has a kicker who can hit a 50 yard field goal this year, but they also pass the ball! Is this a sgn of the Apocalypse?

You sir are absolutely right. All aspects of the kicking game is such an important part of your offense and defense. I think that punting is really discounted, consistently it is one your longest gainers on offense and can change field position in one play. Kickers/Punters & all special teams play are such a valuable part to being a winning football program.

What are the odds? Belfry not only has a kicker who can hit a 50 yard field goal this year, but they also pass the ball! Is this a sgn of the Apocalypse?

 

That was the same question that I asked when Raceland went from the wishbone to the spread, and we started kicking field goals.

Owensboro High School has a freshman kicker that has been quite impressive this year. He is 100% on XPs and FGs so far this year and also has had to make 2 tackles on kick-offs that saved 2 TDs. He has hit from 37, 26 and last week hit one from 40 though not greatly impressive for a kicker but might be for a high school freshman. There are some teams in the state that flip a coin on wheather or not to kick an extra point and definately would not try a field goal. Those people in Owensboro are really looking forward to seeing what this kid can do in the next 4 years.:devil:

Against Dixie, Bathiany kicked a 48-yard FG at Dixie, which apparently would have been good from at least 54 yds.

 

To this minute, that was the best kick I have ever personally witnessed on the high school level. He did it so effortlessly. You know this kid is fast, athletic and hits like a train too. He has great hands and talent. Its pretty much up to him what he FEELS like going to college for. I see a recruiter talking him into coming out just to kick, for safety reasons. That would be a waste of resources. I know, I know, protect the kicker. But when its Bathiany, you would-be blockers better watch out! This guy is the real deal. IMHO he is the best, most consistent, kicker Highlands High School has ever seen. Sorry Timmy but he beats you Huddy, and Chukes. He is just too consistent and way too strong. I believe that his leg strength could stem from the fact that he is on the field a lot more than a few times. His legs stay warm, and he continues to work them out and have them ready for when needed. Take note other teams!!!!:walk:

With kickers its all about stats. The only kicker this year that has qualified for

(3) different KHSAA records in his career is Lafayette's Jake Stephens. Has hit a varsity career of 18 field goals, hit seven straight, and three in one game. People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do........

With kickers its all about stats. The only kicker this year that has qualified for

(3) different KHSAA records in his career is Lafayette's Jake Stephens. Has hit a varsity career of 18 field goals, hit seven straight, and three in one game. People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do........

 

True that! However, I also believe a kicker's success and chances of going on to the next level have to do with exposure and opportunities. Bathiany has both of those at Highlands. Did I mention that he can kick the ball 15-20 out of the back of the end zone on a good day? This just in, he's good. Records shmecords, Bathiany will kick D1 if he wants to.

Special Teams Rule Good Times & Bad

Drew Bathiany rules this year in N Kentucky and most likely in the state! Great kid with a powerful leg to boot!

True that! However, I also believe a kicker's success and chances of going on to the next level have to do with exposure and opportunities.

 

Exactly right. Bell County's kicker is in his third year as starter (Junior) and is just now beginning to get the opportunities to kick. He has had the same number of attempts so far in four games that he had in two years total going in! Bathiany and others have much easier time getting noticed than a kid from Southeastern Kentucky in the Mountains. Hopefully, Bell County will get to Louisville this year, defeating Lexington Catholic along the way and he and the Bobcats will be able to showcase their "special team." Merrick has excelled in camps last summer and defeated all competition in all three of the camps attended.

I would not discount Kaufman from Ryle; ranked #2 in the state according to prokicker...probably would have been ranked in the top ten nationally too if his KOs were as far then as they are now. Merrick is 3rd. Can't find Bathiany.

A way for a kid to get noticed that may not get as much exposure is going t the kcking combine. The kicker from Owensboro made the finals for this year in LA in January. He is the only kid from KY that made it to te finals but he is also in the freshman and under division. It is broken down by class. It is kicking.com for any of you that do not know about it. Several excellent kickers from all over the country and you are promoted to all colleges if you are in the top 20.