Dave Walker thought entering his players in a Punt, Pass and Kick competition would be simple. Just type in the local zip code and find the next event.
Five failed zip codes later, the Maryland City, Md. youth league commissioner discovered he needed to start his own event. Today, more than 200 youngsters enter the town’s first PP&K competition since the 1990s.
When did Punt, Pass and Kick fade from the sports landscape? It used to be one of the rites of youth ball.
“When I couldn’t find any in the area, I thought it was strange,” Walker said. “A lot of the kids really don’t know what it is. That’s how long it has been gone. All the adults know about it, though. It’s a good way for competition without being on the football field.”
Hall of Famer Dan Marino won a PP&K. So did Dallas quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Even big linemen talk of having entered for fun. It was like a home run derby for football. With no charging defender, entrants can just take their time. Anyone with a strong leg has a chance to win.
Punt, Pass and Kick has players throwing, punting and kicking off while trying to stay straight on a 100-yard line. The three distances are combined to determine the winner that can take locals all the way to nationals as the Redskins representative. Boys and girls compete in different age groups from 8 to 15.
It’s the opening football event as local youth football leagues start summer camp as early as July 25 — six days before the Redskins. Football coaches use PP&K as a recruiting tool for players normally headed for soccer, fall baseball or summer basketball. It’s a crowded time on the youth calendar and football coaches felt an added edge was needed.
“I love the game of soccer, but I’m a football and baseball traditionalist,” said Mike Geraghty, a Maryland City football coach. “We’re no longer co-existing. We have an extremely difficult time making football and baseball teams. Drive by any major field now and as far as the eye can see it’s various games of soccer. Dave Walker is looking for ways to make the focus back on football and show it’s still a great and fun game.”
It’s an expensive game, though. Walker said outfitting football players cost more than $150, far more than soccer which requires uniforms and a ball. For many, simple economics decide which sports their child plays.
Walker isn’t losing players willingly, though. A band and ice cream will turn the PP&K into a family event. The town has even started a flag football league for five-year olds trying to create future players. Imagine calling signals to players who may not be able to even count yet?
Then again, imagine not having PP&K?
Rick Snider has covered local sports for 28 years. Contact him at [email protected].
