Vote: Who is the best kicker in Central Florida in 2023?
A kicker may have one of the loneliest jobs on a football team, but their scoring abilities make them an invaluable asset.
Kickers across Central Florida have been scoring machines during the 2023 season, making extra-point kicks and field goals with amazing regularity.
As the regular season winds to a close, kickers have played a major role in propelling their teams to winning records and more in one of the toughest regions in Florida. Multiple kickers are ranked among the best at their position in the country.
We took a look at schools in seven counties (Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard and Indian River) and came up with 18 candidates that we nominated for Best Kicker in Central Florida as the 2023 Regular Season Comes to a Close.
We ask you, the fan, to decide who should be the top kicker selected. Voting will conclude on a date to be announced. Voting will conclude on October 31st at 11:59 p.m. Vote as often as you like.
Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. The poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.
Here are the nominations:
Cole Reilly, Junior, Eustis: One of the best kickers in Central Florida has been a big plus for the Panthers, accounting for 44 points on 32 PATs (point after attempts) and four field goals in leading the Lake County team to a 4-3 record.
Gunnar Trout, Senior, Cocoa: As good as the Tigers’ offense is, this four-star kicker makes Cocoa better. He has tallied 41 points on 26 PATs and five field goals for the defending Class 2S state champions (6-1). This past summer, he won the field goal competition at the FSU Specialist Camp and has been invited to play in the All-America Classic All-American Bowl in December.
Marcus Trout, Junior, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (Melbourne): A cousin of Gunnar Trout and a 4.5 star kicker by Kohls, his consistent kicking has produced 30 PATs and three field goals for 39 points. His efforts have helped the Tigers to a 6-2 record and remain in the running for a Class 1 Suburban playoff berth.
Dean Roberts, Jr., Titusville: Reliable special teams player has made 29 PATs and three field goals for 38 points, leading the Terriers to a 7-1 start. They won their first seven games – the first time since the 1970s – before falling to Cocoa last week. Earlier this year, he boomed multiple 70-yard kickoffs with one going 80 yards in a win against Fleming Island.
Logan Proth, Junior, Oviedo: Talented athlete is likely one of the few defensive linemen in the state who doubles as a kicker. He has been productive to say the least, making 34 PATs and one field goal for 37 points for the Lions, who are making a push for the Class 3 Metro playoffs.
William Allen, Junior, Seminole (Sanford): This kicker gives one of the best teams in Florida another offensive weapon as evidenced by his 28 PATs and three field goals for 37 points. His efforts have helped the Seminoles to a 6-2 record.
Luke Shale, Junior, Lake Mary: Terrific athlete who also plays lacrosse, has stayed busy with the Rams’ offensive scoring machine, making 36 PATs for 36 points. His play has helped the Rams remain unbeaten (7-0) and on track for a Class 4M playoff berth.
Christian Baez, Freshman, DeLand: Solid kicker has been a steady performer for the high-scoring Bulldogs, making 33 PATs and one field goal for 36 points. His efforts have helped the Volusia County power to a 5-2 record. He also is a standout baseball player.
Braedyn White, Junior, Foundation Academy (Winter Garden): One of the betters small-classification kickers in Central Florida and a 4-star kicker by Kohls, he has made 35 PATs for 35 points for the Lions (4-3). He was invited to the National Scholarship Camp in Gatlinburg, Tenn., this year.
Taylor Domres, Junior, Tohopekaliga: Good athlete has stayed busy with the Tigers’ high-powered offense, making 31 PATs and one field goal for 34 points. His play has helped the Osceola County school to a 5-2 record. He participated in the UCF Football Specialist Showcase this summer.
Owen Baylor, Jr., University (Orange City): Strong special teams player (6-2, 190) has helped the unbeaten Titans (7-0) immensely in their historic season, making 28 PATs and two field goals for 34 points.
Blake Bolger, Junior, Boone (Orlando): Has been on the mark this season for the Braves, making 18 PATs and five goals for 33 points.
Evan Scruggs, Senior, Bishop Moore (Orlando): A 4.5-star kicker by Kohls, he has given the Hornets another offensive weapon as they make a late run for the playoffs. He has made 21 PATs and four field goals for 33 points.
Liam Henderson, Sophomore, Leesburg: This 10th-grade punter has been just as effective scoring, making 32 PATs for 32 points for the resurgent Yellow Jackets (7-1).
Adrian Gonzalez, Junior, St. Cloud: A 4.5-star kicker, he has been a bright spot in the Bulldogs’ rebuild with 20 PATs and four field goals for 32 points.
Santiago Suarez, Junior, The First Academy (Orlando): A model of consistency, this powerful kicker (6-foot, 220 pounds) has made 28 PATs and one field goal for 31 points to help lead the Royals to a 5-2 record.
William Stewart, Sophomore, Melbourne Central Catholic: One of Brevard County’s better kickers with 28 PATs and one field goal for 31 points. His play has helped the Hustlers to a 6-2 record.
Trey Butkowski, Junior, Lake Nona (Orlando check): This CSK 5-star kicker has made 21 PATs and three field goals for 30 points for the Lions.
-- Jeff Gardenour | jgardenour1962@gmail.com | @JMarkG1962
