INMAN, S.C. – As the old saying goes, there are three parts to the game of football -- offense, defense, and special teams.
For the Chapman Panthers, one name has recently become synonymous with kicking and has left quite the footprint on the program. The Montalvo brothers – Carlos and Ricky – have had a collective impact on the Panthers’ kicking game in recent years. Carlos (a 2017 graduate) served as the starting punter, placekicker, and kickoff specialist. Fast forward to now, where Ricky has taken on all three of those roles. For Ricky, taking on those roles has been something he has had his sights set on for quite some time. “As a little kid,” Montalvo said. “I remember thinking to myself that was what I wanted to do. I got kicking from (Carlos) because I’ve looked up to him since I was little. It was awesome seeing him do what he did here.” Kickers coach Will Maley has coached both of them in their respective tenures at Chapman and sees some similarities in their respective abilities. “They are identical,” said Maley. “Both have very strong legs and are extremely accurate at what they do. They’re just naturally gifted and bring their ‘A’ game to the table. It’s been fun to watch it happen twice.” Not only do they share a kicking style, they also share a jersey number (#21). Each has also have made a go-ahead or game-winning field goal with a championship on the line. Trailing by two points in the 2016 AAA state championship game at Williams-Brice Stadium, Carlos Montalvo hit a 43 yard field goal to put Chapman ahead 29-27 with 9:30 left in the fourth quarter. That kick proved to be the final points of the contest and gave Chapman its first football state championship. Now, fast forward to last Friday evening (October 22nd), where Ricky had an opportunity to earn one of his own in a road game against Union County. Just before halftime, Montalvo attempted a field goal that ever-so-slightly missed, but fittingly, the game would rest on the right foot of the senior. “When he came off the field (after that field goal attempt),” Cabaniss explained. “He had this look of, ‘I can’t believe I missed that.’ I told him, ‘I’ve got a feeling that we’re going to come back to you at some point in this game and we’re going to need you.’ And sure enough, we did.” On the final play of overtime, he drilled a 17 yard field goal to give the Panthers a 38-35 win over Union County, which clinched the Region III-3A championship for the Panthers. “When we went to overtime,” Ricky recalled. “I knew that it was going to come down to me. I was trying not to think too much about the last kick. I wanted to stay locked in and focused because I knew I could make the game winner.” “That was great to see him make that one,” Maley exclaimed. “I was sad that he missed the 49 yarder, but we know that he has ice in his veins when it comes time. The kick in overtime was strong and he was so excited about it.” As the season continues to progress, Montalvo has a chance to do something that his older brother hasn’t – win a second state championship. Chapman (6-2, 4-0 Region III-3A) will finish the regular season with a home game against the Broome Centurions on Friday, October 29th. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM. Prior to the game, all of the Fall sports seniors will be recognized. -Justin Mathis Comments are closed.
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