Chap coach Darren Allman takes special pride in his special teams, as evident by the amount of time that he spends watching film of all things kicking.

In his debut year, Allman helped Westlake develop into a fearsome kick-blocking unit that snuffed four field-goal attempts. The return of Sean Potter and special teams demons such as Thomas Robison and Nathan Peavey should continue such success, he said.

“Those guys are great special teams players,” he said. “It’s definitely something we work hard on.”

The Chaps may have to work a little extra to develop a new kicker. Cody Rademacher departed for the Air Force Academy and replacement Buckley Willis has no varsity experience. He has knocked through a few short field goals during summer workouts but has had trouble past the 35-yard range.

Rory Allen and Eric Wassmuth are competing for the deep snapper, and backup quarterback Blake Box or reserve wideout Jason Prideaux will handle the holding duties.

“We’re not worried about Buckley,” Allman said. “He’s unproven, but he has the right temperament for the position. He’s poised under pressure, and he’ll have to be.”

Allman is even less worried about his punter.

“I don’t plan to punt,” he said, with nary a hint of a smile. “And if we do, it’ll probably be [quarterback] Lewis Guilbeau doing it.”

Last season, QB Tanner Price mastered the quick kick, and Allman expects a repeat of such success.
Running back Van Gramann will serve as the primary kickoff returner, alongside Brice Dolezal and Sean Potter. Expect Dolezal and Potter to return punts. Potter averaged 17.2 yards on his six punt returns in 2009.