Most quarterbacks can breathe a sigh of relief after driving their team into field-goal range. It’s then up to the kicker to convert the field goal.
If you’re Lockport senior Ben Davis, the pressure-packed responsibilities of playing quarterback and kicker are his alone.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Davis loves the challenges both positions demand.
“I’ve done both since my freshman year,” Davis said. “It’s been a lot of fun. I enjoy having the chance to do both. I’m already in the zone being out on the field as quarterback. I’m not just coming into the game to kick. I think that helps.”
Davis has been Mr. Clutch for Lockport (4-1).
In the Porters’ 17-15 win over South Elgin in Week 2, Davis was 3-for-3 passing on a last-minute drive before he kicked the game-winning 31-yard field goal with five seconds remaining. In a 16-14 win over Lincoln-Way Central in Week 3, he converted three field goals.
Last week, Davis delivered a four-touchdown performance during a 42-16 win over Andrew. Overall, he’s completed 66 of 117 passes for 781 yards and 8 TDs. He’s 14-for-15 on point-after kicks and 5-for-5 on field goals.
Additionally, he’s consistently produced touchbacks on kickoffs and is averaging 40 yards per punt.
“Ben’s steady presence in the huddle on offense and on special teams has given all of our players confidence,” Lockport coach Dan Starkey said. “In addition, his athletic ability and size as a kicker, punter and quarterback has made a big difference each game.
“Field position has really been in our favor with Ben’s punting and kicking abilities.”
Davis attributes much of his success at quarterback to having a year of varsity experience under his belt.
“Last year, I was nervous out there,” Davis acknowledged. “I’ve calmed down a lot in the pocket this year. Getting that year of experience last season was huge.”
Davis improved his kicking skills during the offseason by working with Lockport legend Nick Setta, whose 59-yard field goal in 1996 against Bloom is the second-longest in state history. Setta went on to star at Notre Dame and played in the CFL.
“The big thing is, for me, is that he (Setta) tells me to keep my head down on field goals and to trust that the kick is good,” Davis said. “I had a tendency to lift my head to see if the kick was good. So he’s made sure I keep my head down on my follow through.”
Davis was a three-sport star as a freshman, playing football, basketball and baseball. He gave up football as a sophomore, only to return last season.
“I felt like I needed to give up one sport my sophomore year and decided to stop playing football,” Davis said. “But I missed playing football. My teammates really wanted me back and I had a passion to play again.”
The Porters, who won consecutive Class 8A state championships in 2002 and 2003, haven’t experienced the postseason since 2011. Davis is determined to change that.
“That’s the goal,” Davis said. “When we get both sides of the ball going, we can be tough to beat. People in town would really come out and support us if we made the playoffs.”
Davis is undecided as to which sport he’ll play in college — either football or baseball. He’s one of the Porters’ top pitchers.
He wouldn’t mind trying to play both. Starkey is confident Davis will excel regardless.
“He’s an extremely intelligent young man who has a bright future in whatever he decides to pursue,” Starkey said. “Simply put, Ben is a winner on and off the field.”
Twitter @disabato
WEEK 6 GAMES TO WATCH
Lemont (5-0, 2-0) at Hillcrest (4-1, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Outlook: Hawks need a big effort from running backs Marcus Garrett and Anthony Long to crack an Indian defense that has allowed just 38 points. Lemont quarterback Spencer Nagel is dangerous.
Mount Carmel (3-2, 0-2) at Brother Rice (5-0, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Outlook: Caravan want to run the ball and eat clock, hoping Michael Kennedy, Alek Thomas and Aristotle Nakos can get the job done. The Crusader offense, led by quarterback Dino Borrelli, is explosive.
Montini (2-3, 1-1) at De La Salle (5-0, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Outlook: Meteors face toughest test of the season vs. the defending Class 6A state champs. De La Salle will need a big performance from running back Devin Michicich.
Marist (4-1, 3-0) vs. St. Patrick (4-1, 2-1) at Hanson Stadium
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Outlook: Behind quarterback Morgan Taylor and running back Delonte Harrell, the RedHawks will try to exploit a shaky Shamrock defense. Marist’s defense, led by linebacker Micah Awodiran, has posted consecutive shutouts.
St. Rita (3-2, 2-0) at Loyola (5-0, 1-0)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Outlook: For the Mustangs to pull the upset, quarterback Jake Zylman, running back Shaun Rule and receivers Tim Zaleski and Mike McDevitt need big games. St. Rita’s defense must produce turnovers.