Photo by Jamie Plain
As a freshman, Uziel Mungia made every extra point he attempted for the Hancock County football team — all 52 of them.
Uziel, who began playing football in eighth grade, brought a lifelong background in soccer to the gridiron and quickly found his role as a specialist for the Hornets. With no soccer program at Hancock County, he said the transition to football just made sense.
“I played soccer my whole life and then just transferred to football,” Uziel said. “That’s why I play — it’s the next best thing.”
Though he dabbled briefly on defense during his first year, Uziel’s focus has always been on kicking. He first learned the skillset from years of rec league play and one season with Owensboro United, a local soccer club. The result was a flawless season on point-after attempts and a 39-yard field goal in a JV game — his longest so far.
Now entering his sophomore year, Uziel said he has clear goals: stay perfect on extra points, increase his range and consistency, and help the Hornets make a run at the state tournament.
“I just want to keep improving and help my team however I can,” he said.
During the offseason, Uziel has ramped up his routine, lifting weights and kicking three to four times per week. Without a dedicated kicking coach, he relies on internet videos and self-taught drills to sharpen his form.
“I’ve just been searching online for drills and everything,” he said. “I’m trying to get stronger and better every day.”
Uziel hopes to eventually kick at the collegiate level, a path he believes may be more achievable than others on the field.
At home, he said his mother is one of his biggest supporters — driving him to and from practices and games, even if she gets a little frustrated with the busy schedule.
“She gets a little mad sometimes, but she does it,” he said with a laugh.
With three more seasons ahead, Uziel’s combination of raw talent and work ethic has already made him a key part of Hancock County’s high-powered offense — and his journey is only getting started.