Alex Khouri has learned to become a quick-change artist in his dual roles as the kicker on the football team and the goalkeeper for the boys soccer squad.

The family car has literally become a changing station for the junior this season. Khouri said that after a home soccer match against Emmaus on Oct. 6, he had to quickly change into his football uniform for their game at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium later that day.

“It gets really crazy,” said Khouri who nailed a 36-yard field goal in that Oct. 6 game against Freedom. “I was putting my pads on in the car and had to go right out onto the field.”

Khouri is one of the leading scorers in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference this year, connecting on two field goals and 47 extra points so far this season. Last year he connected on 43 extra points. He also has 73 saves as a goalkeeper this season.

Khouri’s journey onto the gridiron began on the soccer field when a conversation with former kicker Conor Ilgenfritz encouraged him to try out for the team once he graduated. Khouri had been a soccer player his whole life, starting at the age of 4, and he expected that would be his athletic trajectory as well when he got to high school.

However. Khouri took Ilgenfritz’s advice and introduced himself to head coach Brian Gilbert who handed him a bag of balls, sparking the junior’s desire to become the best kicker he can possibly be for Whitehall.

His decision was further cemented during his first game as he stopped to soak in the atmosphere.

“High school football is a big thing,” said Khouri. “I was out there looking at the amount of people and it just kind of takes your breath away a little.”

Khouri said Friday nights with all its pageantry, coupled with the passion of the fans, has even brought his family closer together. His father, a devout soccer fan who really “wasn’t into football,” has become a convert, turning Friday night’s into a family affair.

Khouri, who also plays varsity volleyball, said that kicking is largely about technique. While a powerful leg can get you so far, it’s how you hit the ball that really matters. He said that you also need a good rapport with your holder, something he’s developed with Ethan Parvel this season, while last season he teamed with Zach Gilbert.

“It’s mostly about getting to know one another a forming a good chemistry,” said Khouri. “They just know how to hold the ball right and it’s just perfect every time.”

He’s been tutored this season by George Cowitch who is also the varsity boys volleyball coach. With Cowitch serving as the kicking coach, the two have formed a good working relationship.

“It wasn’t hard getting used to him,” said Khouri. “He’s very knowledgeable and has helped me improve from last year.”

He also goes over strategy with Special Teams coach Justin Kondikoff where they’ll meet pregame to go over who to kick it away from on kickoffs.

A typical day for the two-sport athlete begins with football practice once classes end. Since football is now his primary sport, he gets his work in with the team and then heads over to the soccer field where he tries to catch as much time with them as he can. He still loves soccer, and is now preparing for this week’s district championships, but admits that he’s gradually leaning toward making football his primary focus.

In his quest to develop his kicking skills, Khouri has begun working with John Zima who runs Kick It, a local kicking program that is open to middle school, high school and college athletes. Former Emmaus kicker Carson Landis, a 2016 first team EPC selection as a kicker and punter, is among his roster of talented players. Khouri said that they meet every Sunday during the summer where it’s mostly one-on-one sessions with some group activity sprinkled in their training.

Khouri credits the support of his family for helping navigate such a hectic schedule. He said that they’re always there to support him, encouraging him at every step.

His busy schedule will continue as both teams prepare for the playoffs giving him more opportunities to hone his skills as a quick-change artist.