NATCHEZ — With offense and defense getting most of the headlines, special teams can often be the forgotten part of any football team.

But when you have a player like Cathedral’s Daniel Huffines, special teams can become a focal point.

Huffines, a sophomore running back, punt and kick returner, was named the Region 4-1A special teams Player of the Year recently, the first time a Cathedral player has been named player of the year in the region.

“We’ve been in this region five years and this is the first time to have somebody honored with that,” Cathedral coach Craig Beesley said. “Daniel would always give us good field position whether returning punts or kickoffs, and did a good job of receiving punts.”

Huffines averaged almost 20 yards per return on punts and returned one for a touchdown against St. Aloysius.

Huffines said that touchdown against the Flashes, which tied the game at 7-7 in the fourth quarter, was his personal special teams highlight of the season.

“We had gotten to the 10-yard line and went for it on fourth down and didn’t make it,” Huffines said. “But the defense shut them down and they punted. I caught the punt and took it to the end zone. It changed the momentum and got everybody back hyped up and everything.”

Huffines said changing momentum of the game is what special teams is all about.

“One play on special teams can change momentum,” Huffines said. “You get momentum flowing your way and get the whole team rolling again.”

Beesley said what makes Huffines a good punt and kick returner is his quick thinking and ability in the open field.

“He’s very knowledgeable of the game and thinks quick on his feet while on the field,” Beesley said. “We felt like if we could get him in the open field, we’d have the upper hand on the other team. And that shows on special teams play, because a lot of times you’re in the open field or one-on-one, and he always excels in that situation.”

Huffines said winning special teams player of the year in one of the toughest district in Class 1A means a lot, not only for him, but for his teammates.

“It shows the work ethic of not only me, but the blockers in front of me,” Huffines said. “I had a lot of help out there catching some blocks along the way. I’m just glad I can recognize the school like this.”