Special teams players rarely get a lot of recognition, except for kickers who are often under the lights in high-pressure situations as they stare down a potential game-changing field-goal attempt.

For the average special-teamer, it’s easy to be lost in a crowd of numbers and jerseys, as anonymous as a pawn on a chess board.

But like a pawn in a game of chess, together with other pawns they can define the game. They can control the battleground and, if used properly, can be a game-changing force for any squad.

“It’s all about field position,” says local product and special-teams regular, Charlie Power. “Obviously there are the field goals that are points but other than that, kickoff and kick return, you’re fighting for position, which is huge.

“If you can put your offence into a good position, where they only need a few first downs to kick a field goal, that’s your job. On the other side it’s about pinning guys deep and putting their offence in a situation where they have a huge field to drive. And if you can do that, you usually win as well.”

RB Charlie Power during the Stamps pre-season game on June 11, 2016 (Photo by David Moll)

Though sometimes not as flashy or exciting as a 60-yard Hail Mary for a touchdown, or a pick-six to change momentum, the fight for field position can sometimes be the difference between a win or a loss.

“When we won the Grey Cup two years ago, I think the biggest play was on special teams,” reminisces linebacker Glenn Love.

The play he is referring to is a would-be punt-return touchdown by Hamilton Tiger-Cats speedster Brandon Banks that was called back due to an illegal block. Had the return stood, the Ticats would have taken the lead over the Stamps with a mere 35 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter.

“We got the call and we won, so (special teams) can be a pretty big game-changer,” says Love.

Should a team get a great kickoff or punt return, the field is shortened for the offence and naturally increases the team’s odds for scoring valuable points either through field goal or touchdown.

Likewise, if punt or kickoff team is able to pin their opponents deep in their own zone, the odds logically will decrease that the opponent will be able to score.

It seems simple enough until you strap on the pads and go charging full speed downfield, crashing into anything in your way in an attempt to make a path for a teammate or clog it up for an opponent.

“It’s a grind and a track meet,” says Love. “You are running 40-50 yards each play and you’re being physical on each play. If you’re not physical, you won’t have good special teams.”

Power attributes Calgary’s hard-nosed style to special teams coach Mark Kilam, who demands his crew play a vertical, hard brand that leaves guys sore at game’s end, but with the respect of their teammates.

“It’s a tough thing to do and not everyone can do it,” says Power. “It takes certain body types and certain players but there is a respect there and teammates know how important it is.”

That importance was on display last Saturday as the Red and White opened their season in Vancouver against the BC Lions, a team they’d beaten the week before in the final pre-season game.

Early on, Calgary’s special-teams squad was a force to be reckoned with, causing havoc on the line and rattling Lions kicker Ritchie Leone early and often in the first half.

LB GLenn Love during the Stamps pre-season game on June 11, 2016 (Photo by David Moll)

Three BC punt attempts led to deflections by Love and Adam Berger and a block by Power, helping put the Stamps up 10-0.

“Getting three kick blocks, that doesn’t happen really, ever,” says Power. “We were rolling on kickoff and playing physical other than that (Chris) Rainey play (a punt-return touchdown). But that shows you how you can have one breakdown and it can end badly.”

But don’t expect Coach Kilam’s squad to be down in the mouth for long. Like chess, the season is long and there is plenty of opportunity for redemption.

For Love, Power and the rest of their teammates, it’s a strong finish that is important and as long as they can all execute their assignments the way they know they can, their team’s odds of winning will only improve.

“The game plan is there and Kilam does an awesome job making sure we are ready,” says Power.

Love is still stewing a bit after not being able to get into the end zone after recovering Power’s blocked punt and is excited to get back on the field for, he hopes, another opportunity to score.

“It was great to get an opportunity like that and hopefully I can get some more this season,” he says.