By Hannah Johnson
Sports Writer

A time out called with 2.7 seconds left on the clock in the varsity football game at Manteo, set up a possible game-winning field goal. Senior Seth Pugh pumps up the crowd as he sets up for the field goal attempt. With confidence, Seth kicks a 41-yard field goal that had another 10 yards left to spare. And just like that, the Nighthawks reclaim the Marlin, winning the game 10-7.

“It was the best feeling I’ve ever had hearing the fans chant my name, the support we had that night was unbelievable,” Seth said.

For a lot of people, the name Seth Pugh meant nothing until Sept. 5. In reality Seth began making a name for himself after attending a kicking camp this summer in College Station, Texas, where he tried out for the national team.

“I heard about it through a family friend and got invited to Texas to compete in the regional camp in Washington, D.C,” Seth said.

Traveling to the camp wasn’t the hardest transition, according to Seth, it was facing the top notch competition.

“When I first arrived, I was nervous and a bit overwhelmed by all the kids and by the size of some of them,” Seth said. I had never played with players of their stature and just wasn’t used to it. By the end of the first day, I already felt like I fit in and was completely comfortable. By the end of the camp, I felt like a superstar.”

After Seth adjusted his expectations for the camp, he quickly adapted to the competitive atmosphere.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Seth said. “The main thing I got from the camp were just accolades to include while talking to colleges.”

On Sept. 16, Pugh got the call that he made the U19 US National Football Team as a punter and kicker.

“I’m really excited about playing for the (U19 US National Football Team) and the best part about it, is that all expenses are paid so it’s all free for me,” Seth said.

FFHS head coach, Jim Prince explains Seth’s skill level and where it could take him in the next few years.

“Seth is the best that I’ve had as far as a kicker in my 43 years of coaching since Scott Norwood, who went on to lead the NFL in scoring for five years,” Prince said.

Throughout the long days of practice and workouts, Seth was injured with a stress fracture in his back, a condition where the bone that protects the spinal cord fractures as a result of excessive or repeated strain.

“My injury has definitely affected the start of both my soccer and football seasons,” Seth said. “Especially soccer. It has not put a hesitation on my play in football, but it has on my performance. I’m not able to perform at the level I was throughout the summer, but I hope to be back to 100 percent in a few weeks.”

Although Seth’s injury prevented him from playing much of the soccer season, it proved to be a benefit for the football team.

“It was lucky for us, but bad for him because it hindered him in some ways,” Prince said. “You would have trouble realizing when you see him kick, because he still can kick the ball like crazy.”

According to Seth’s father, Victor Pugh, motivation was one of the main keys that Seth needed in order to make this season successful. Another was support. Both are what he received from his father who explains the struggles Seth faced on his journey.

“Flying cross country by himself was big not knowing anyone but seeing how he would measure up against some of the top notch kickers from around the country was exciting,” Mr. Pugh said. “Kicking the game winner in the final minute making the score 33-30 was probably one of the biggest highlights to this date for the USA national team.”

Patience and finding the right place to play in college is going to be a hard choice for Pugh.

“I currently have narrowed down my list of schools to 13 but I hope to have that down to five or six by the end of the season,” Seth said.

Seth was invited to the East Carolina University (ECU) game against UNC on Sept. 20 and after touring and watching the game, he moved ECU to one of his top college choices.

“I haven’t really made an official list of schools yet, but I’ve made a visit to ECU which I really enjoyed, James Madison University, Old Dominion University and I plan to make visits to a few others such as UNC Chapel Hill and NC State,” Seth said.

Seth will travel to Arlington, Texas, for the first week of February. He will practice for the first part of the week and then attend a signing day breakfast at the AT&T stadium on Feb 4. The week will end with the final game against Team Canada on Feb. 7 at the University of Texas at Arlington.

“My excitement for the game is unexplainable,” Seth said. “I am so glad I have the chance to experience all of this, and I hope that the support of all my family and friends continues.”

Send comments to johnsonha0323@daretolearn.org