Turner saving up his big foot for big kick

Chamberlain will have a very important weapon back in the lineup for its Class 5A region final game against Lakeland – senior placekicker/punter Austin Pullaro.

Pullaro (No. 11 on right), who had missed most of the season with a right ACL injury, made a surprise return in the Chiefs’ 42-21 region semifinal win over Wharton last week. His right knee wrapped heavily, Pullaro – arguably the country’s top kicker – made six extra points, as well took care of punting duties, all after having his knee drained earlier in the week.

“I was watching him Friday and he was booming 50, 60-yard punts and kicking it into the end zone before the game,” Chiefs coach Billy Turner said. “I asked him what he wanted to do, and he said all of it. If he can do all of it, we want to let him do all of it.”

Turner, however, said he’s comfortable enough in his kicking game – backup receiver Thadeous Baxley was handling placekicking duties and quarterback Dontae Aycock the punter in Pullaro’s absence – that he won’t hesitate to save Pullaro for the biggest moment of the game.

“I want him to be in there for a game-winning kick,” Turner said. “We can save him for that.”

They might need it for the undefeated Dreadnaughts (12-0).

--EDUARDO A. ENCINA