Special teams have long been the unsung engine of high school football, often deciding the outcome of tightly contested games.
This season, analysts in the Montgomery area are predicting a surge in special‑teams touchdowns, driven by a deep pool of athletic talent and a strategic shift among larger programs.
Designated Punters Gain Traction
The rise of dedicated punters reflects a broader tactical evolution, as teams seek to maximize field position without sacrificing offensive firepower.
Schools such as Prattville and Carver‑Montgomery are leveraging their greater roster depth to devote resources to punter and kicker development, a move that could reshape field position battles.
At Montgomery Catholic, senior JP Costa will handle both kicking and punting duties, bringing a proven arm that can reliably strike from beyond 40 yards and a knack for pinning opponents deep.
Coaches across the region are expected to place their most explosive athletes on return units, knowing that a single big return can swing momentum in a game where margins are often measured in inches.
If the trend holds, the 2026 season may not only produce more scoring chances on special teams but also highlight the growing importance of specialized specialists in the high school game.