As the ball is kicked to the opposing team, time begins to tick and the school’s players hope their long week of practice will pay off over the next 48 minutes. Sweat drips down their faces. The fans became crazed, cheering louder each play. The team is on the 10-yard line, only inches away from scoring a touchdown.

Senior Quarterback Tommy McKee breaks away with the help of his linemen. The band’s instruments and cheerleaders’ chants become amplified as the announcer yells, “TOUCHDOWN.”

And, although football is a team sport, the opportunity to gain that extra point after a touchdown is crucial. Thus, Head Varsity Football coach Bill Stachelski took a chance on senior Girls’ Varsity Soccer player Abby Knapp, when he accepted her as a place kicker on the varsity football team.

“I said yes to join the team because I wanted to do something different and I’m always up for trying new things,” Knapp said.

One of the many challenges the coaching staff faces with Abby on the team is exactly how she should be coached. However, with a first year record of 3-1, there is a method to the madness.

“I have not coached a girl before, but it’s interesting, different, and I like it. She brings fresh ideas and a different skill set to the practice and playing field. Working with a female on the football field is not new though because I have been coaching with Assistant Head Coach Nancy Fowlkes for ten years,” Stachelski said.

Some may say that football is a boy’s sport, but Knapp has proven them wrong. Even with the pressure of 6 foot 200lbs players towering over her, she applies her prior soccer knowledge and skills to her kicking game.

“Having Abby on the team doesn’t really affect anything. It’s not weird having a girl on the team, she is just another teammate,” McKee said.

Knapp practices every day with the rest of the football team, taking turns kicking from different spots on the field with junior Kicker Zach Kemp. They practice game-like situations, utilizing their steps and speed.

“If it wasn’t for Abby, I don’t think I would have hit a 50-yard field goal on my own because she inspires me to practice more than just the time we have after school. She is a big help for all the kickers and I’m thankful that she is on the team,” Kemp said.

As the only girl, Knapp is still limited because she cannot participate in offensive and defensive drills, such as tackling. It also isn’t necessary for her to memorize any of the plays because she only kicks.

“I don’t participate in every aspect of the game, but by just being out on the field I’ve gained respect for the football team and more importantly the sport,” Knapp said.