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WATCH: Kentucky returns blocked field goal 76 yards for touchdown

by:Austin Brezina•10/02/21•

AustinBrezina59

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Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kentucky’s special teams unit made a huge play in the third quarter against Florida after a blocked field goal was returned for a touchdown. Senior Josh Paschal blocked the kick and freshman Trevin Wallace returned it, avoiding defenders as he sprinted to the endzone.

Kentucky blocked field goal leads to touchdown

Trailing 10-7 against No. 10 ranked Florida, Kentucky’s special teams unit stepped up in a huge way to give the Wildcats the lead. During the third quarter, Kentucky had a drive cut short after an interception that gave Florida good field position.

Kentucky’s defense held and forced a 48-yard field goal attempt, which was blocked by Paschal. Wallace tracked the ball after the block and outran Florida players to the sideline before breaking straight up the field for 76 yards and the score.

Following the big play, Florida blocked the extra point attempt themselves, preserving the score at a 13-10 Kentucky lead.

Paschal at Kentucky

Paschal has earned a reputation at Kentucky as an impact player on special teams since his freshman year in 2017. Paschal blocked a punt that earned him SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors against Eastern Michigan University. Paschal was the first Kentucky player to block a punt since 2013.

In July of 2018, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and underwent three surgeries and monthly immunotherapy treatments. During preseason, he had discovered a lesion on his foot that team doctors felt needed further inspection.

Once tests were completed, Paschal was informed that it was malignant melanoma and that he would need to begin cancer treatments. After fighting to return to the playing field, Paschal returned in the final game of the 2018 season to ovations and massive fan support.

In 2020, Paschal started in 10 of 11 games for the Wildcats. In addition to his responsibilities on defense, he remains an effective part of their punt blocking unit as he showcased again on Saturday against Florida.