Home » Sports » New London Sports » Noffke wins again

Noffke wins again

Punt, Pass & Kick national champion

Jack Noffke of New London finished the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick National Finals in first place in the 14-15 age division and was crowned national champion.

The Green Bay Packers’ representative and a No. 4 seed, Noffke was one of 40 finalists competing separately in five age divisions at the Indianapolis Colts’ practice facility in Indianapolis on Jan. 2. The 10 national champions were recognized for their achievement the next day during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.

NFL Punt, Pass & Kick has been a part of Noffke’s life since he was 8 years old.

“I had always really liked playing football and decided I’d give it a shot,” he said. “The competitions are fun and exciting, and force me to work on skills that I’d like to have.”

Noffke, who also won the national championship for his age division when he was 12, now plays for the varsity football team at New London High School. This year’s competition was the last for which he was eligible, due to his age.

Noffke said he enjoyed the opportunity to compete in the national championship during his last year of eligibility and visit Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as display his skills at Lambeau Field prior to the Packers-Cowboys game on Dec. 13, when he qualified to travel to the national competition.

“Playing on Lambeau Field was really fun. Even if the weather’s not as great, it’s still cool to be out there,” he said. “It’s hard to believe you’re actually there.”

Competitors in the championship launched two punts, two passes and two kicks with scores based on distance and accuracy (in feet). The best score from each activity was tabulated to determine the athlete’s total.

Youngsters advanced to the national finals through local, sectional and team championship competitions held throughout the NFL regular season. The top four scorers in each age group from across the country qualified as national finalists.

Scroll to Top