​Trailing by seven points, Port Clinton tried to snatch the momentum with a long run from Jace Cornell on offense and a batted pass by Liam Johnson to force a punt early in the second half. Instead, a special teams mistake allowed Vermilion to pounce on the punt and the Sailors kicked a field goal to cap the scoring in a 24-14 victory.”Special teams is always significant,” Port Clinton coach Kevin Huntley said. “We spend a lot of time on it. One play can have a major impact on the game.”Port Clinton missed a field goal after Cornell’s run.”We had an opportunity there but we didn’t execute,” Huntley said. “It bit us.”College football Penn State Any Joe Paterno exhibit must include failure | OpinionIn fact, Dylan Reynolds opened the scoring with a weaving 40-yard punt return for Port Clinton. Reynolds earned a little time on special teams as a freshman last season.”When it comes down to it, special teams are a big part of the game,” Reynolds said. “When my number is called — get some blocks — I can make a play.”Reynolds emerged the last two weeks, adding an 89-yard punt return for a score against Huron last week.”We try to put guys in position to have success,” Huntley said.Port Clinton (6-1, 1-1) suffered its first setback of the season. “We can’t worry about (the conference race),” Huntley said. “We have to make the necessary corrections and play the next team.” A Vermilion touchdown pass led to a 6-6 tie in the first quarter, before Cornell ran in from 44 yards. Cornell looked to be stopped, but emerged from traffic up the sideline. Reynolds ran in a conversion.Vermilion rushed for a score and converted as well for a 14-14 tie. Vermilion scored on its own punt return late in the second quarter.Port Clinton’s Brody Bollinger nearly intercepted a pass in the end zone before Vermiliion’s field goal. Port Clinton turne the ball over on downs three times thereafter.”We made a lot of small errors that added up,” Huntley said. “We’re trying to clean things up. You can’t beat yourself.”mhorn@gannett.com419-307-4892X: @MatthewHornNHThis article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Special teams major factor in Port Clinton setback