The Mustang Broncos enter the 2024 season with an experienced offense and defense, but the squad also sees its special teams unit as a true weapon.
The Broncos return as strong kicking game as well as playmakers who have the ability to take kickoff and punt returns to the house.
Special teams coordinator Colton Strickland sat down with The Mustang Sports Review to discuss how Mustang plans to put up points and pin teams deep this fall.
KICKER & PUNTER
Aiden Jordan (Sr.) returns as one of the top place kickers in Class 6A-1 and is on track to once again be one of the top special teams weapons in the state.
Jordan drilled multiple field goals in 2023, including a last second game winner against Springdale Har-Ber on the road. Strickland says when the Broncos cross midfield, they are well within Jordan’s range.
“He is very calm and collected when he’s lining up to kick,” Strickland said. “It’s nice to have that luxury of a veteran kicker who has that experience and has been through tough situations. A guy with that kind of leg is definitely a weapon.”
The Broncos are known for using their quarterback as a rugby style punter under coach Lee Blankenship and that won’t change this season.
Quarterback Trajan Williamson (Sr.) is set to take over that role and will give the Broncos a valuable option if the opponent leaves a potential first down on the table.
“He has a heck of a leg,” Strickland said of the team’s signal caller. “It’s something we’ve worked on with him over the offseason. It gives us a lot of things that we can do with him and we’ll be able to change it up and offer some different looks as well.”
RETURNERS
The Broncos have plenty of playmakers to watch out for in the return game.
Strickland says receivers Jaden Johnson (Jr.) and Ben Patkowski (Sr.) are the main two options, but to also watch out for defensive back Waleed Gaines Jr. (Sr.).
“We have a lot of speed that can take the top off at any time,” Strickland said.
SNAPPERS & HOLDERS
Gaines Jr. and Kaden Bachus (Jr.) are expected to be the team’s long snapper while Hunter Johnson (Jr.) will be the short snapper. Patkowski and Zac Kitchen (So.) will likely be the holders.
“Waleed, Kaden, and Hunter have all been very consistent with their snaps in the offseason. “They’ve been working every day and have a very calming presence. The lights won’t be too bright for any of them.
“Ben and Zac both give us playmaking ability in case we have to break away from a kick. Both are very even keel and can get the job done.”
