Onside Every Time - Sam Nichols Turns the Tables by Making His Kickoff Team an Offensive Unit
by John GallupEditor and Publisher
In last November’s Michigan Division 4 district title game, underdog South Haven, trailing 7-3, began the second half with an onside kick. What seemed like a very risky strategy paid off, as the Rams recovered the kick, scored on the ensuing possession and held on for a 16-7 victory. It was the first playoff win and first district title in school history.
Some in the media called Head Coach Sam Nichols’ decision to onside kick a big gamble. But was it?