Introduction to High School Football
As the Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey took the field at the end of regulation to attempt a 64-yard field goal that could send Sunday’s thriller against the New York Giants into overtime, Frisco Legacy Christian senior Jack Drygas was watching intently and reveling in the moment. “As he walked out there for that kick, I was just thinking to myself, what a cool experience it is that I kicked the exact same field goal just two days earlier as probably the best kicker in the league right now,” Drygas said in an interview with The Dallas Morning News.
Aubrey made his 64-yarder, just as Drygas did in Friday’s 30-7 win over Dallas HSAA. Aubrey’s field goal was tied for the third-longest in NFL history, while Drygas now has the second-longest kick in Texas high school football history.
The Art of Kicking
The art of kicking is a unique skill that requires precision, power, and practice. Drygas, a former soccer player, decided to try football because he wanted to help his team and be part of that school culture. He started working with kicking coach Sean Riley and has been to college camps around the country. He has also put in the time in the weight room and has modeled his kicking after Justin Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowler who went to high school at Austin Westlake.
Record-Breaking Kicks
There have been 43 made field goals of 60 yards or longer in NFL history, according to ESPN, with former Baltimore Ravens star Justin Tucker setting the record with a 66-yarder in 2021. In just the last two weeks, two Dallas-area high school kickers have made field goals from 60 yards or more. Hurst L.D. Bell’s Grady Matcham made a 60-yard field goal against Odessa on Sept. 5, matching the Dallas-area public school record.
High School Football in Texas
The Dallas area has produced exceptional kickers over the years, including Pro Bowlers Matt Stover and Phil Dawson from Lake Highlands. Southlake Carroll has been kicker U, with Super Bowl champion Garrett Hartley and Kris Brown kicking in the NFL, Joe McFadden (Nevada), Tyler White (Texas A&M as a punter) and Kyle Lemmermann (TCU) currently kicking in college and Duke pledge Gavin Strange rated the seventh-best kicker in the nation in the Class of 2026.
The Impact of Kicking on the Game
Both Drygas and Matcham have also changed their coaches’ thinking on how often to go for it on fourth down as opposed to trying a field goal. “I’ve been on a lot of football teams where kicking a field goal from anywhere past 35 yards wasn’t an option,” Dibble said. “We feel with confidence that Grady can go out there and hit a field goal. What an asset to have.” Hix added: “If that ball gets to the 40, we’re pretty confident we can get three points. More importantly, it makes it easier on kickoffs, because we can put freshmen out there and not worry about anyone returning a kick, so we can rest guys.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the art of kicking is a unique skill that requires precision, power, and practice. Drygas and Matcham have shown that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to achieve greatness in this field. Their record-breaking kicks have inspired many and have changed the way coaches think about the game.
FAQs
Q: Who is Jack Drygas and what is his achievement?
A: Jack Drygas is a Frisco Legacy Christian senior who kicked a 64-yard field goal, the second-longest kick in Texas high school football history.
Q: Who is Grady Matcham and what is his achievement?
A: Grady Matcham is a Hurst L.D. Bell senior who made a 60-yard field goal, matching the Dallas-area public school record.
Q: What is the longest field goal in NFL history?
A: The longest field goal in NFL history is 66 yards, set by Justin Tucker in 2021.
Q: What is the importance of kicking in football?
A: Kicking is a crucial aspect of football, as it can make a significant difference in the outcome of a game. A good kicker can give their team an edge and help them win games.
Q: How can one improve their kicking skills?
A: To improve kicking skills, one should practice regularly, work on their technique, and build their strength and endurance. It is also essential to have a good coach and mentor to guide and support you.
