During the last four seasons, the Columbus Wildcats football team didn’t attempt a single field goal. In fact, the Wildcats football team scored more points on two point conversions last season (16) than they have on extra point attempts since 2011 (15).

Head football coach Jeff Martin has been very pleased with what he has seen from junior Ruben Paz, a player who loves to kick. “He is a really good soccer player and he is one who wants to kick all the time.” Martin said, “He has asked me to kick field goals everyday. I told him I would rather score touchdowns but we will see.”

Martin admits Paz could be the first kicker he has had in years where he would consider kicking a field goal on fourth down inside the red zone rather than trying to move the chains.

Paz had a breakout soccer season for the Wildcats this spring, scoring a team high 18 goals. He was 5-8 in extra point opportunities last season, accounting for half of his team’s point after attempts.

Columbus is set to open their 2015 football season on Friday, August 28, visiting the WACO Warriors.