As football season gets closer, here is the Enquirer’s final list of position previews, featuring special teams.
Kickers and punters rarely get any glory, but they are highly important to any team that wants to make a long playoff run. Having players good at kickoffs and punting can help your defense with field position. Having someone who can make field goals consistently is crucial in high school football. More importantly, knocking in the extra points every time can help your team in a pinch and reduce the odds they need to go for two at a crucial moment in the game.
So here are the best returning special teams players in Greater Cincinnati.
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Grayson Bedacht, La Salle
The junior excelled in all phases for the Lancers last year. He made 36-of-37 PATs and 4-of-6 field goals with a long of 41. He averaged 40 yards per punt and had six touchbacks.
Owen Davidson, St. Xavier
Also a receiver for the Bombers, the senior made 39-of-40 PATs and 9-of-13 field goals to help the Bombers to the Division I state finals. He had touchbacks on nearly half of his 65 kickoffs (31).
Jace Horner, Clinton-Massie
The junior made 49-of-51 PATs and 3-of-3 field goals for the 10-2 Falcons.
A.J. Fitzstephens, Lakota East
The junior made 6-of-10 field goals and 34-of-36 PATs. He had 16 touchbacks in 54 kickoffs (30%).
Jack Mallabar, Moeller
The senior was an all-district performer after making 10-of-12 field goals and 49-of-51 extra points. He had a 47-yard field goal during the season. He was the best in the city on kickoffs with a 55.6-yard average and 36 touchbacks.
Gabe Miyahara, Badin
The senior was an all-district performer after making 7-of-10 field goals and 58-of-61 extra points to help the Rams to a 10-2 record. He could take over kickoff duties with the graduation of standout Ben Sakach.
Drew Seinen, Indian Hill
The senior did it all for the 13-1 Braves, making 63-of-66 PATs and 10-of-13 field goals with a long of 44. He placed 11 of his 24 punts inside the 20 to help the team’s defense.
Will Shteiwi, Mariemont
The senior made 32-of-33 PATs and 8-of-11 field goals. He placed six of his 18 punts inside the 20 and had 24 touchbacks in 54 kickoffs.
C.J. Woodside, Wyoming
He came on as a freshman last year and was one of the city’s most reliable kickers, making 62-of-63 PATs and 2-of-3 field goals.
Logan Zembrodt, Covington Catholic
The junior didn’t miss a kick last year, going 59-of-59 on PATs and 4-of-4 on field goals for the 9-4 Colonels.
Other kickers and punters to watch in 2026
Kai Anderson, Highlands; Orion Bentley, Mason; Bryce Davidson, Edgewood; Kaden Estep, Elder; Scotty Hall, Wilmington; Jace Horner, Clinton-Massie; Finn McMillan, Ludlow; Jack Mercer, Beechwood; Nate Messer, Princeton; Teddy Peterson, Wyoming; Colton Waldman, New Richmond.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Vote for Cincinnati’s best kickers, punters in 2026 football preseason
Reporting by James Weber, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By James Weber, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
