Ask any coach at any level what the key is to winning any football game and you will get the same answer across the board.  Play good defense and win the special teams battle.  One of the big reasons Perry is off to a strong start this year is that they have been terrific on special teams.

“It really is an area we put a ton of time into,” smiled Linebacker Coach Shannon Cline.  “Coach Coy does an excellent job preparing the boys each Friday night and our coaching staff gives the necessary time in practice each day to make sure we are always winning that battle.”

Perry has been solid in every special team category and have dominated their first three opponents in this particular category.

German Alvarenga is averaging 31 yards a punt including a great week last Friday night in the difficult weather elements in Huxley.  The future soccer star has also converted on 5-6 extra points this year along with 4 touchbacks. The return game has been explosive in both the kick return and punt return.  Reece Dunlap is averaging close to 31 yards a return and has a critical 90 yard touchdown in his resume back in week one.  Mana Martinez and Brandon Juarez each have a big return as well.  Dunlap also leads the conference in punt returns when he ripped off a 37 yard return earlier this year.  The kick coverage unit has also recorded 2 fumbles this year as well.

“You look at all the good teams in college and even the NFL and there is a lot of priority put on special teams.  Even though they aren’t on the field as much as the defense or offense, a good special teams play can light a fire with the entire team.  It can be such a huge momentum swing.  We have looked really good in all areas of special teams this year.”

Perry will return home this Friday night to take on Boone at 7:30.