While the return game for WACO football coach Chad Edeker has experience back this season, the story is different for the kicking game.

WACO lost their top punter and place kicker from last year’s team to graduation, but Edeker says he still expects it to be a strong part of this year’s team. The WACO coach says right now a freshman, Colton Horak, is the leading candidate to handle both the punting and kicking responsibilities. Horak is a soccer player and Edeker says he has been very pleased with what he has seen from the underclassman.

Another part of the special team effort that the Warrior coach says is important is the long snapper on the punt team and that is handled very well by senior Seth Gillis. Edeker says a good snap from center is what helps make your punting game strong.

The Warriors are coming off a 1-8 season. They open play on August 28th as they host Columbus. The Wildcats are coming off a 3-6 season.