Football: Kickers keep getting better

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As the kicking game grows in importance, kickers have become more accurate than ever, thanks to private coaching.

There’s another strong group of kickers and punters in Southern California, many of whom started out as soccer players.

One of the most accurate is junior Brandt Davis of La Verne Bonita. He made 13 of 15 field goals as a sophomore.

Conrad Ukropina of Los Angeles Loyola is exceptional both as a punter and kicker. Sean Wale of La Habra is known for his powerful leg. Ret Tilman of Culver City made a 53-yard field goal last season.

Garrett Owens of Arroyo Grande converted 11 field goals. Pavle Atanackovic of Crescenta Valley is a soccer standout who made clutch field goals as a junior. Jose Morales of Lompoc made two field goals in last year’s Northwest Division championship game.

Osborne Umeh of Lakewood Mayfair is supposed to boom the balls on punts.

-- Eric Sondheimer