West Deptford's Falls is punter's nightmare

He wasn't the new guy.

He wasn't No. 45.

He was The Kid From Gateway Who Blocks Punts.

That's how R.J. Falls introduced himself to his new teammates at West Deptford, as well as supporters of the Eagles' football program.

He made a name for himself before most folks knew his name. He was the guy with the knack for blocking punts and turning around games on special teams.

"I don't think most people even knew who I was," Falls said, referring to the first few weeks of the 2009 season. "They just knew I was a transfer from Gateway and that I blocked punts."

Falls is a senior defensive end, a two-year starter for an undefeated West Deptford team (11-0) that will host Colonial Conference rival Haddonfield (10-1) in Friday night's South Jersey Group 2 championship game. He's entrenched in the program.

But in some ways, he's still the new guy making an impact on special teams. He blocked another punt in Friday night's 56-0 victory over a suspension-depleted Paulsboro team.

That gave Falls three punt blocks this season, counting one in which he drove the personal protector into the punter and disrupted the play. He blocked seven punts in 2009, and a field-goal attempt.

"He sells out," West Deptford coach Clyde Folsom said of Falls. "He's one of those players who leaves everything on the field. He goes 100 miles per hour."

Falls' fearless style takes its toll. He missed time this season because of a pinched nerve in his back, a torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff in his left arm, and an ankle sprain. That's one of the reasons his punt-block numbers are down from last season.

"He plays beat-up most of the time," Folsom said.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Falls is a good pass-rusher and solid run defender. He has returned two interceptions for touchdowns this season.

"He's the only player I ever saw who can make so many plays on the defensive side," West Deptford senior two-way back Vaughn Scott said. "I told him, 'I score touchdowns but I get the ball. You make plays when you're not supposed to have the ball.' "

Falls' aggressive play and feel for the game come together in his ability to block punts.

"It comes down to who wants it more," Falls said. "I put my hand down and I tell myself I'm going to get it. I'm actually mad at myself when I don't block it."

Falls said he's focused on the final game of his relatively short but eventful career at West Deptford: Another battle with Haddonfield.

"It was 375 days ago that was basically the worst day of my life," Falls said of West Deptford's loss to Haddonfield in last season's sectional semifinals. "This is absolutely the best scenario, the chance to go out and play our last game against Haddonfield."