2009

Peabody's Dabney takes second at Punt, Pass & Kick Regionals

By Jean DePlacido, Salem news correspondent

If not for an unfortunate punt that went off the side of her foot, Peabody's Taylor Dabney would probably be headed for the Nationals at the AFC Championship Game next month. The Higgins Middle School eighth grader was second at the sectional round of the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition recently at Gillette Stadium.
"I hit it wrong, and the ball rolled off my ankle," said the 13-year old. "I was so mad because I know I could have had a much longer punt. We were out on the field at Gillette at 8:30 in the morning, and it was very cold. The (professional) players weren't around then because it was so early, but we were given tickets for the game which was great.
"I love football; it's my favorite sport. I'm going to keep playing as long as there is a program for me, and I hope to try out again next year for Punt, Pass, and Kick. This was my first time. If it had been in Peabody before I probably would have done it sooner."
Dabney competed at the 12-13 year old level, and will move up to 14-15 next year. She won the initial event in Peabody with a score of 170 which blew the rest of the competition in her age class away. She went on to the next level in Stoughton and was unbeatable again with an overall score of 196. At Gillette scores were not given out, but she heard she missed going on to Nationals by about 10 feet - something a clean punt would have given her.
"I know I could have done better there," said Dabney, who also plays softball (shortstop) and runs track. "Throwing is my best event by far because I have a strong arm."
Dabney quarterbacks her girls flag football team and has played both spring and fall seasons for the past four years. She is the captain and MVP. Even when she played on teams with the boys she was the QB. A natural athlete, she was in the top three in the draft for the 13-16 year old softball league.
It was an enjoyable experience for Dabney, and now that she knows what it feels like to perform on the Pats turf she is more determined than ever to return. She and her dad stayed to watch the Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers.
"It was a lot of fun being out on the same field where the Patriots play," said Dabney. "They gave us two tickets to the game, and my Dad and I really enjoyed that. I want to go back next year, and win."