Compared to offense and defense, special teams is not usually the most popular aspect of football. But sometimes, it can be just as important of a factor in a game. USA Football's Junior National Team trounced France 78-0 in its opening round game of the Junior World Championship on Saturday, and part of the team's success came from special teams specialist and cornerback, Jordan Poyer.
"Everything is put on special teams," Poyer said. "Special teams is what starts off the game; it could determine the winner of the game and the loser of the game.[Saturday] on special teams I thought we played really well.We didn't get to return kicks a whole lot, but special teams is where it's at."
Poyer may not have returned many kicks during the game, but in the first quarter, he blocked a punt he nearly recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. However, it bounced out of bounds in the end zone for a safety. This only added to Team USA's lead at the time, making the score 9-0 within the first few minutes. Poyer's play was also the biggest special teams play of the evening - and a first for the 6-foot-1, 180 pound defensive back.
"That's the first time I've ever blocked a punt," Poyer said. "I wish I could have recovered it and got a touchdown, but I got a safety."
Poyer attended Astoria high school in Oregon and will attend Oregon State in the fall under the direction of head coach Mike Riley. Both of his parents played college sports at the Division I level, which makes it no surprise that Poyer will follow in their footsteps to play Division I football.
"I played the position in high school too, coming off the edge and blocking the punt, and I've never blocked a punt before, so that was kind of cool."
Team USA places a lot of emphasis on special teams in practice for plays like the one Poyer made, which will come in handy as the competition only heats up in Canton, Ohio, home of Fawcett Stadium, which is the site of all tournament games.
"We do special teams after our one-on-one work," Poyer said. "We put a lot of emphasis on making sure everything is right just because that's how important it is."
Helping in a 78-0 win, special teams did its part for Team USA to be successful against a French squad that just couldn't seem to muster up any offense. As for the other players, Poyer said he and his teammates had fun playing Saturday.
"It's a lot different playing with these guys because of the caliber of guys here, as opposed to who I've played with in high school.All the guys are having fun."
Team USA's next matchup will be against Mexico, who defeated Sweden 41-0 in their opening round game. Team USA will play Team Mexico on Wednesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. Live video webcasts and real-time stats of the game will be available at jwcfootball.com.
Check out the photo gallery for all the action from Team USA's 78-0 victory against France.
