Wasatch All-Star Gets His Kicks

Skyler Southam makes his impression in the U.S. Army/Eastbay All-American Freshman Game

Last Saturday, Wasatch High School’s freshman placekicker, Skyler Southam, took the field with 30 other nationally recognized ninth graders for what was arguably the biggest game of his young career… the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl, pitting the USA against Canada.  Skyler, who was the placekicker for his varsity football team, the Wasatch Wasps, even though only being a freshman, earned his spot on the team with a sparkling regular high school season.  That excellent campaign got Southam more than just the chance to kick in an all-star football game down in Texas, it got him and his family an experience of a lifetime.

The three days leading up to the game for Skyler, were all about preparation, meeting coaches and getting to know his teammates, as the USA practiced twice a day for two hours each.  Most of the attention went to getting the offense together, so as a specialist, Southam spent most of the practice time getting himself prepared.  As the only kicker selected to the squad, he would handle the punting duties as well, so there was a lot to work on.  “We had a kicking coach who worked with us, so it was good to learn from him,” Skyler said.  “The toughest thing was to find someone to hold and get the timing down,” he added.  “It’s not that easy to get it all together in a short period of time.”

Wasatch High School placekicker, Skyler Southam (11) awaits the snap and hold on one of his PAT attempts.

 Despite the massive surroundings of San Antonio, Texas’ world famous Alamodome, the setting proved not to be too big for the local Wasatch hero.  Decked-out in navy blue helmet and jersey and wearing number 11, Skyler would handle all the kicking responsibilities for the United States team in their dominating 34-0 victory.

The USA scored quickly so Southam would get the chance to shake any jitters right away.  The difficult timing between snapper, holder and kicker proved to be evident as the Wasp all-star missed his first attempt.  “The uprights (goal posts) were five feet closer in width than the they are in high school, but that’s not why I missed it,” the kicker ‘fessed up.  The USA would score again before the half and this time they went for a two-point conversion and made it, making the score 14-0.  When the young Americans score again in the third quarter, Skyler would get his shot at redemption and this time he split the uprights for his first point in the big game.  He would convert again after another third quarter touchdown, but would miss his fourth attempt of the game following the USA’s final touchdown.  Skyler had no field goal attempts during the game because the American team had little trouble putting the ball in the end zone.

Because his team was scoring quite often, Southam had six kick-offs in the game averaging 56 yards per kick.  One of them reached the end zone for a touchback.  Another highlight moment for the kid from Wasatch County came on a touchdown saving tackle on a kick-off return.  His teammates were very grateful after that particular effort with several congratulatory “chest bumps”.

Southam shows good form on his follow through after one of his three punts.

 One of Skyler’s favorite things about the game was getting the chance to punt, something he did not do during the regular football season for his hometown Wasps.  He’s been working hard at it on his own and it showed during this game.  He had three punts, two of them going over 40 yards and one had a hang-time of over four seconds.

Southam loved the experience calling it “a lot of fun” and hopes to see some of his new friends, including sons of Hall Of Fame Wide Receiver Michael Irvin and country superstar Toby Keith, again in the near future.  For now, it’s a return to Heber City where he will continue to work on his kicking indoors at the local rec center and prepare himself for soccer in the spring.

Skyler with his father Denny Southam posing with the Eastbay All-American Bowl trophy.