Preview: Special Teams
RICHMOND, Va. – Special teams can change a game in a matter of seconds.
A blocked kick. A missed tackle. A long return. A field goal. One play can flip field position, swing momentum and completely change the way a game unfolds.
That is exactly why special teams coach Marcus Howard places so much emphasis on effort and discipline.
“Effort and discipline is key for special teams,” Howard said. “It only takes one person to take off a play for a kick to be blocked, a punt or kick to be returned, or for us to miss a block in the return game. That can completely change the game.”
For Howard, the expectations for the unit are simple.
“One word: dangerous.”
Martinez Continues to Expand His Range
Senior kicker Christopher Martinez returns as one of the most established pieces of Huguenot’s special teams.
Martinez has spent the offseason training and working to increase his range, giving the Falcons more options when possessions stall near scoring territory.
“Chris has been working this offseason with his trainer on range and positioning of the kicks,” Howard said.
That work could allow Huguenot to be more aggressive in field-goal situations this season.
Martinez may also see some opportunities as a punter, giving the Falcons another option at that position as the staff continues evaluating the unit.
There is still work to be done in the field-goal operation. Howard said Huguenot is working with a new long snapper and continuing to improve the timing throughout the unit.
That remains one of the biggest areas of emphasis before the regular season begins.
Bostic Brings Versatility
Senior Najarn Bostic gives Huguenot one of its most versatile special teams weapons.
Bostic is expected to factor into both the punting and return game and brings the same athleticism that makes him dangerous offensively.
Howard believes Bostic has taken another step physically.
“Najarn is a Swiss Army knife,” Howard said. “He can be used at any position. He is very elusive, and he has gotten more explosive.”
That explosiveness gives Huguenot a player capable of changing field position quickly whenever the ball reaches his hands.
Howard has high expectations for what Bostic can create in space.
Lewis Adds Another Threat in the Return Game
One of the more interesting developments of the preseason has been the addition of Iveon Lewis to the return game.
Howard said the idea of using Lewis there is not new.
“I’ve been wanting Iveon to get back there, but it just wasn’t a part of his game yet,” Howard said. “As the years progressed, so did he. He’s stronger, faster, bigger, but most of all he’s got that look in his eye when he’s back there.”
Lewis already enters the season as one of Huguenot’s most established offensive playmakers.
Adding him to the return game gives the Falcons another explosive option and forces opponents to account for him in another phase.
Whether that role continues throughout the season will depend on how the staff manages personnel and workload, but Howard believes the team’s developing depth should make that easier than in previous years.
Jones Gives Huguenot Another Young Playmaker
Sophomore Jahmeer Jones is also expected to play an important role in the return game.
Jones has already shown the speed and explosiveness to create problems in space, and Howard believes he has the ability to turn routine returns into big plays.
“If you blink, he’s gone,” Howard said.
Jones gives Huguenot another young option capable of immediately changing field position.
With players such as Bostic, Lewis and Jones available in the return game, Howard believes Huguenot has the potential to consistently put pressure on opposing coverage units.
Competition Throughout the Coverage Units
The impact of special teams extends well beyond the players handling the football.
Howard has also been encouraged by the competition developing throughout Huguenot’s coverage units.
Kevin Toler Jr., Donnell Henfield Jr., Tyler Croxton and Zhekari Fields are among the players who have stood out during camp and are expected to contribute in various special teams roles.
For players who may not begin the season as full-time offensive or defensive starters, special teams also provides an opportunity to earn meaningful snaps.
Howard sees that competition as a positive.
“Special teams is competitive,” Howard said “Everybody wants to get on the field, and for those who don’t start, they’re coming for every opening.”
That competition helps create the kind of effort Howard wants from the unit.
Special Teams Requires a Different Mentality
For Howard, talent alone is not enough.
Special teams requires players who want to make plays.
“Special teams is all about want-to and making special plays,” Howard said. “It sounds cliché, but in special teams we’ve got to be special. We’ve got to make things happen — the unpredictable, the wow factor.”
That mindset applies to every unit.
Kickoff coverage players have to stay disciplined in their lanes.
Return units have to sustain blocks.
Kickers and snappers have to execute with precision.
Returners have to recognize openings and make decisive plays.
One missed assignment can change the entire possession.
That is why Howard continues to emphasize the small details.
Field Position Can Change Everything
Huguenot’s offense enters the season with plenty of explosive talent, but special teams can make life easier for that unit before the first offensive snap of a possession.
Howard places a major emphasis on field position.
“Field position is key,” Howard said. “It can also be the turning point in a game. One bad kick or missed tackle changes the game.”
A strong return can shorten the field.
A well-placed punt can force an opponent to drive the length of the field.
A disciplined kickoff unit can prevent an explosive return.
Those plays may not always appear in the scoring summary, but they can determine how a game is played.
Competing With Offense and Defense
Howard does not want special teams to simply survive its snaps.
He wants the unit to create points and momentum.
“We’re trying to put points up regardless of which unit is out there,” Howard said. “We’re trying to compete with offense and defense.”
That approach fits the identity he wants Huguenot’s special teams to establish in 2026.
Dangerous.
Martinez gives the Falcons an experienced kicker who has expanded his range. Bostic brings versatility and explosiveness. Lewis adds another proven playmaker to the return game. Jones provides speed and big-play potential.
Behind them, players such as Toler, Henfield, Croxton and Fields are competing for opportunities on coverage and return units.
The pieces are there.
Now the challenge is making sure all 11 players execute together.
Because on special teams, one missed assignment can change a game.
And one special play can do the same.
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