Brownlow has kicked his way into Culver City HS football history

By Steve Finley It takes a special person to be a football kicker. Every game the pressure grows with every possession. The kicker and the holder are on an island all by themselves. From high school, college and the pros the kickers are expected to make field goals, extra points and in high school the kicker is also the punter most of the time.

What makes Culver City High School's kicker and punter, Henry Brownlow so special is he is not only a great athlete, but he has taken his kicking game to another level through hard work, good coaching and a mind set that separates him for the average high school kicker.

"Kicking is such a specialized component of football," said Brownlow after a recent game. "You really have to learn and discover it. I have kind of built myself up by watching You Tube and working with kicking coaches." Brownlow was forced to rely on other coaches and kicking camps because his Culver City High School kicking coach, Greg Goodyear passed away a few years ago.

"I break down a lot of film," said Brownlow. "I watch a lot of special team plays. How do they rush the kicker. You need to know the distance, who is returning the kick, do I need to put extra distance on the kick. I am a student of the kicking game."

When a kicker makes a field goal or a winning field goal, he is a hero. If he misses the burden is heavy. "It's euphoria when you can make a winning kick. It's great to have that feeling that you made it and that you can make a difference."

After every game this season Culver City's head football coach Jahmal Wright always has something good to say about Brownlow. "Henry is clutch for us in every game. He is such a great senior leader. He comes through for us whenever we need him to. He is always calm, cool and collective and that's what we need from him. He is money when he is out there, and his character is off the charts. He probably has the best character on the team. He is such a team guy, and his family is awesome too."

Brownlow, who is also a star volleyball player for the Centaurs has turned into a player, coach, mentor and recruiter. This year he has recruited several kickers to play football for the Centaurs.

In the CIF playoff game last Friday against Ayala, Brownlow made a long field goal, made all five of his extra-point kicks and made a game saving tackle on a kickoff to help the Centaurs win, 38-28. On Friday at Culver City at 7 p.m. his talents will be on display against Capistrano Valley in the CIF quarterfinals.

At 6'4 and 170 pounds and combine his size with great athletic ability and his intellect, it makes Brownlow a perfect candidate to move on to the next level as a college kicker or college kicking coach.