Through the Uprights: Kickers Who Rose to the Occasion

As the kicking game continues to evolve, its importance at the high school level is becoming undeniable. While it's always been a key factor at the professional level, young kickers are now honing their craft earlier than ever, making a reliable kicker an incredibly valuable asset for high school teams. Make no mistake — these players are game-changers. The 2024 Arizona high school football season showcased some of the best-kicking talent the state has seen in years. From long-distance bombs to near-perfect accuracy, these kickers delivered time and time again, proving that special teams can make all the difference. Let's take a closer look at the top performers who made an impact every time they took the field.    Evan Romero was a standout kicker for Mesa High School in 2024, showcasing a reliable and consistent leg that made him a huge asset for the Jackrabbits. With an 86.7% field goal success rate, hitting 13 of 15 attempts, Romero earned a reputation as one of the most dependable kickers in the state. His longest kick, a 47-yarder, highlighted his long range. What sets Romero apart isn't just the numbers — it's how he carried himself on the field. Whether it was a pressure-packed game or a routine extra point, he approached every kick with the same level of precision and confidence. That's a trait you don't see every day in a high school athlete. <a href="https://azpreps365.com/">AZPreps365</a>'s <a href="https://azpreps365.com/authors/arizona-state-universityshaymoloney">Shay Moloney</a> caught up with Romero's soccer coach, <a href="https://azpreps365.com/articles/17823-mesas-kicking-unit-is-money?utm_source=chatgpt.com">who talked about the mentality that football brought to Romero</a>. "He already had the skill, but now the leadership on and off the field is there." That speaks volumes to the type of player he is. As Romero looks ahead to his senior year, there's no doubt he'll be a player to watch and a major asset for any college program lucky enough to recruit him.     [player_tooltip player_id='1719052' first='Palmer' last='Podwika'] has proven to be the definition of reliable for Horizon School. The junior kicker had an incredible 2024 season, finishing with an 83.3% field goal success rate by converting 10 of 12 attempts. His longest kick, a jaw-dropping 51-yarder, shows how much natural power he has in his swing. Beyond field goals, Podwika was near-perfect on extra points, going 38-for-39. Off the field, Podwika is just as impressive. With a 4.65 weighted GPA, he earned a spot on the 2024 Sports360Az All-Academic Team, showing he knows how to put in the work in the classroom too. Looking ahead, it's clear that Podwika's journey is just beginning. With one more year to refine his skillset, he's poised to make an even bigger impact, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him making waves at the collegiate level soon. For now, Horizon can rest easy knowing they have one of the best legs in the state on their side.     James Dean was clearly a large part of the offensive game plan coming into the 2024 season. Through the ups and downs, his coaching staff's faith in him never wavered. Dean led the state in both attempts and made field goals, knocking through 15 of 22 attempts. One of his standout moments came in the playoffs against Chandler, where he hit multiple key field goals to help secure a narrow 27-24 victory. It's the kind of performance that underscores his value — he was a difference-maker when it mattered most. He also went a perfect 31-for-31 on extra-point attempts throughout the year. As his high school career wraps up, Dean has already caught the attention of college scouts, and it's easy to see why. His combination of a strong leg, clutch performances, and a calm demeanor makes him a kicker any program would be lucky to have.     [player_tooltip player_id='1214223' first='Tyler' last='Nolan'] was a cornerstone of Pusch Ridge Christian Academy's special teams unit in 2024. His stats tell part of the story — 10 field goals made out of 16 attempts, including a longest of 45 yards, and hitting 62 of his 69 extra-point attempts. But the numbers alone don't capture the impact he had on the field. Nolan's kickoffs consistently pinned opponents deep, averaging over 59 yards per kickoff over 96 attempts, which often gave the Lions' defense an edge right from the start. Nolan's contributions went beyond just scoring. His strong leg and consistent accuracy gave his team a significant advantage in field position battles, and his calm demeanor under pressure made him a dependable option in critical moments. As a multi-sport athlete, he brought a level of athleticism and versatility that few kickers or punters can match. Nolan's all-around performance made him an invaluable asset to a state championship team.     Charlie Parke was the kind of player every coach loves to have — steady, reliable, and always ready to deliver. In 2024, he became a key part of Shadow Mountain's success. With an 81.8% hit rate, he made 9 of his 11 attempts, including a school-record 53-yarder. Parke also handled extra points with ease, finishing the season a perfect 27-for-27 in PATs.Off the field, Parke's dedication to his craft and leadership made him a valued teammate. His season earned him quite a few accolades, including All-Region and All-Conference honors, as well as being named Shadow Mountain's Player of the Year. As he looks toward the future, Parke's strong leg and proven consistency make him a player to watch at the next level.     Jackson Swink made a name for himself as an incredibly steady kicker in 2024. Kicking for Hamilton, Swink hit 9 of his 11 field goal attempts, including a longest of 50 yards. He was also perfect on 38 extra points throughout the season, adding a layer of consistency to Hamilton's scoring. Off the field, Swink balanced his performance on the field with a strong academic season as well, earning a spot on the 2024 Sports360AZ All-Academic Team. With attention from collegiate programs already coming his way, Swink's blend of skill, poise, and work ethic positions him as a promising prospect for the future. For Hamilton, he was much more than a kicker — he was a key part of their success story in 2024.     Kyah Francone's 2024 season for Salpointe Catholic High School wasn't just about the numbers, though those were impressive. Connecting on 9 of 12 field goals, with a longest of 54 yards, Francone brought both power and precision to the Lancers' kicking game. He also converted 43 of 44 extra points, consistently adding points to the scoreboard. Francone really stood out with a remarkable performance in a nail-biter against Centennial. In that game, he nailed two field goals from over 50 yards, including a stunning 54-yarder that electrified the crowd and helped secure the narrow victory. His ability to deliver in such high-pressure situations showcased not only his powerful leg but also his composure and focus in those got-to-have-it moments. Off the field, Francone's dedication to improve his game is really great to see. Competing in events like the Kohl's National Scholarship Camp, he's continued to refine his craft and showcase his skills on a broader stage. Francone's blend of consistency, power, and ability to perform under pressure made him a massive part of Salpointe's success this season.

As the kicking game continues to evolve, its importance at the high school level is becoming undeniable. While it's always been a key factor at the professional level, young kickers are now honing their craft earlier than ever, making a reliable kicker an incredibly valuable asset for high school teams. Make no mistake — these players are game-changers. The 2024 Arizona high school football season showcased some of the best-kicking talent the state has seen in years. From long-distance bombs to near-perfect accuracy, these kickers delivered time and time again, proving that special teams can make all the difference. Let's take a closer look at the top performers who made an impact every time they took the field.