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50 °F 5 Day Forecast Monday, October 20, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend October 3, 2003 North Medford�s Sammy McHenry has amassed 303 yards on six returns, an average of 50.3 yards per attempt, and two touchdowns in the Black Tornado�s first five games. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli Tornado’s little return threat North Medford’s Sammy McHenry is always dangerous when he gets his hand on a punt return By DON HUNT Mail Tribune In the span of about 10 seconds, Sammy McHenry broke North Medford’s school record for the longest punt return last Friday night. The 5-foot-8, 145-pound senior raced 88 yards up the sideline for a touchdown in the Black Tornado’s 42-13 victory over Crater, erasing Tyler Engle’s previous record of 76 yards set two seasons earlier. But if you think McHenry is a one-return wonder, think again. Advertisement In North Medford’s five games, McHenry has amassed 303 yards on six returns — that’s an average of 50.3 yards per attempt — and two touchdowns. McHenry also has had two touchdown returns called back by penalties. "Sammy’s a big-play threat every time he touches the ball," North Medford coach John Beck says. "He’s fast, he makes good cuts and he makes people miss. "He’s not as experienced as Tyler Engle, not yet, but I believe he’s faster." While McHenry uses his speed and savvy to good advantage, he attributes much of his success to North Medford special teams and secondary coach Chris Parnell. Several times each week, Parnell puts the special teams through footwork and misdirection drills. "He makes sure our steps are correct, and he shows us how to make guys miss," says McHenry, who also serves as a backup defensive back and wide receiver for the Tornado. "And we go through misdirection drills where the return guys are on one side of the field and the blockers on the other side. Then he’ll kick us the ball and make us get to our blockers." McHenry also credits teammates Spencer Jordan and Trent Driskell, who often throw the first blocks to spring him upfield. But while practice drills and crunching blocks help a punt returner flourish, speed, instincts and the fearlessness of a kamikaze pilot are his most valuable assets. "You have to be a little crazy to do this," McHenry says. "There are a million things going through your mind when the ball is kicked, but the important ones are, ‘Catch the ball and don’t get killed.’" McHenry is looking forward to tonight’s Black and Blue Game against crosstown rival South Medford, which features Alan Phillips, the top punter in the Southern Oregon Conference. Phillips is averaging more than 47 yards per punt and boomed a school-record 75-yarder last week. "I’m hoping he outkicks his coverage and gives me some daylight," McHenry says. More than likely, Phillips will punt the ball a little higher and shorter than normal, or else aim for a sideline. As other punters have learned, kicking it straight to McHenry is a bad idea. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times