Subscribe RH Love

Pirates stay aggressive on special teams

by | Aug 11, 2022 | Latest, Sports

The Wylie Pirates strive to gain an edge on special teams, and they feel they have that edge with one of the best kickers in District 9-6A.

Braden Gilbert leads the Wylie special teams, taking over as the full-time kicker and punter. He made all eight of his point-after attempts from last season, along with two field goals with a long of 41 yards. For head coach Jimmy Carter, he’s seen a lot of development from his senior kicker.

“Braden has had a really good summer, attending camps all over the country,” Carter said. “Between him and two solid JV kids we’ve got a good line of kickers and are excited about the pipeline at the position.”

Gilbert has continued to develop this offseason and after splitting time with Jordan Rubaclava last season is the only kicker on the Pirates varsity team. With a full offseason of training under his belt, coach Carter said he trusts his kicker from 40-45 yards and potentially beyond if the conditions make it reasonable.

“He’s really built up his leg strength and just overall has developed a really good knowledge of the kicking game,” Carter said. “He’s a soccer kid so he has the background and knows how to put the ball exactly where he wants it.”

A new area for Gilbert this season on special teams is working as a punter. Tight end Cole Hatzenbuehler was the team’s primary punter in 2021 but has since graduated.

In recent years, Wylie has been one of the more aggressive teams on special teams, typically going for fake punt attempts and trying to gain a free first down. Even with a kicking specialist at the punter position, Carter doesn’t see the team changing its tone on the field.

“It’s still going to be more of the same,” Carter said. “Braden is a very athletic kid so if we need him to make a play with his legs we really believe he could do that. If he played the field for us he’d probably be at receiver or linebacker for us. You never know.”

The Pirates want to continue to be aggressive, and even think their strategy can keep them on the front foot and put the points in their favor.

“It’s kind of like being an offensive or defensive coach, we’re going to take advantage of any areas of the field we feel like we can capitalize on,” Carter said. “If we can gain an advantage, we’re going to go all out to block a kick, try a fake, kick onsides and do whatever it takes to help us win.”

For the full story, see our Aug. 10 issue or subscribe online.

Subscribe RH Love

0 Comments

Subscribe RH Love

Related News

Final scores for week of April 7-12

Final scores for week of April 7-12

Wylie East senior Alex Herod makes contact with the ball during Friday's home game against Rowlett. Photo by Elijah Kloepping / C&S Media From Staff Reports Final scores for games played by Wylie and Wylie East from April 7-12: Friday, April 11 Baseball Rowlett 2,...

read more
EPIC City developers hire defense lawyer

EPIC City developers hire defense lawyer

Houston lawyer Dan Cogdell, who successfully defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against impeachment charges two years ago, is now defending a proposed Islamic community against an investigation by Paxton. “This project is simply the victim of racial...

read more
Special Charter amendment election May 3

Special Charter amendment election May 3

Voters will decide on 26 amendments to Wylie’s Charter during a special election on Saturday, May 3. The election is in addition to the general election, which will elect council members for Place 1 and Place 3. The city’s home rule charter, adopted in January 1985,...

read more
WEHS student dies in Oklahoma accident

WEHS student dies in Oklahoma accident

A Wylie East High School student was among two women killed in a weather-related five-vehicle accident, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said. The crash occurred about 6:15 a.m. Thursday, April 3, on U.S. 75 near the Atoka County town of Tushka, the OHP said. Investigators...

read more
Final scores for week of March 28-April 3

Final scores for week of March 28-April 3

Wylie senior center fielder Kayla Santiago throws the ball back into the infield after making a catch during a March 26 road game at Wylie East. Photo by Tina Lopez / C&S Media From Staff Reports Final scores for games played by Wylie and Wylie East from March...

read more
Candidate for Collin College Place 4

Candidate for Collin College Place 4

Staci Weaver, a private school superintendent, said would like to contribute her skills, experience and dedication to ensuring Collin College continues to be a leader in higher education. The candidate for Place 4 on the Board of Trustees holds a bachelor’s degree in...

read more
Former librarian pens first children’s book

Former librarian pens first children’s book

Mignon Morse penned a children’s book based on the adventures of her dog Sadie, and Sadie’s best friend Moose.  A former librarian’s long-awaited dream of seeing her name in a library catalog is about to come true. Mignon Morse, a Woodbridge resident, recently...

read more
Order photos