Jonathan Alder kicker Dylan Moore connects on an extra point against Jackson High School. Moore has made all of his 65 extra point and four field goal attempts this season. (Photo submitted)
Jonathan Alder’s football team has used various offensive weapons in weaving its way to a 12-0 record so far this season.
Running back Garret Proxmire has rushed for more than 1,500 yards, quarterback JT Keith has thrown 30 touchdown passes and receivers Jackson Izzard and Jacob Fenik have combined for 113 receptions.
They are the Pioneers who receive the most attention.
However, there is another, perhaps overlooked, member of the arsenal who has played a vital role in the team’s success.
Junior kicker Dylan Moore has exhibited a strong right leg throughout the season.
He’s been spot on for all 65 of his extra point attempts, including 10-for-10 during two playoff games.
Since Alder’s offensive unit is so efficient in putting the ball in the end zone, Moore has only been called upon to try four field goals.
He’s been perfect on each one, with the most important one coming a few weeks ago to beat London with 0.5 seconds remaining in the contest.
The 5-10, 185-pound junior was recently named to the Central District first team in Division III.
Moore hopes he’s called upon quite often on Friday when the second-seeded Pioneers tangle with No. 1 Columbus Bishop Hartley.
The teams will do battle in the Region 11 championship game, which will be played at Hilliard Darby. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Moore’s success is amazing, considering the fact this is only his second season of high school football.
“I played flag football for one year when I was seven years old,” he said. “I’ve played soccer my entire life.”
He played soccer that is, until he suffered a pair of stress factures in both legs.
“After that, I was looking for something I could do as far as kicking, but one in which I wouldn’t have to run very much,” said Moore. “JT said Jonathan Alder needed a kicker, so I gave it a try.”
Moore has attended several kicking camps and has also worked with former Pioneer kickers Jackson Welch and Nate Smith to perfect his skills.
A bleeding disorder, for which he takes medication, was diagnosed a couple of years ago. That prevents Moore from playing any other position on the gridiron.
“I can make a tackle on special teams if needed, but I can’t play any position where I’m constantly being hit,” he said. “For instance, I couldn’t play on the line.”
Moore is a study of intense concentration during Alder games.
He is constantly behind the bench, kicking into a net while waiting to be called upon to perform his craft.
“It isn’t very hard for me to keep focusing on my practice kicks during games,” he said. “I’ll turn around and see what’s happening when our crowd cheers, but I pretty much shut everything else out.”
“Dylan has worked very hard to master his craft,” said Jonathan Alder head coach Brett Glass. “He’s able to pretty much practice on his own.”
Moore’s routine throughout the season has been to work on field goals during Monday’s sessions.
The Pioneers’ special teams drill on kickoffs when they hit the field on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are for Moore to mimic an opposing team’s strategy on kicks.
The day before a game is devoted to walk-throughs.
Moore will have one more season with the Pioneers in 2020.
After that, he may very well continue his kicking career.
“I’ve given some thought about kicking in college,” he said. “I just haven’t decided on that as of yet.”