Football: Scrimmage star at Loyola is the kicker-punter

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There was a scrimmage held Saturday morning at Los Angeles Loyola, and there’s no doubt who the star was: junior kicker-punter Conrad Ukropina.

He boomed a 70-yard punt. He also showed off a powerful leg that helped him make a 58-yard field goal earlier this month during fall practice.

He’s an Eagle Scout with a 4.4 grade-point average. Coach Mike Christensen made it clear he knows he has a good weapon in Ukropina.

As for other highlights, running back Jared Baker, an Arizona commit, is better than ever. He broke off a long touchdown run on the first play of the scrimmage.

The defense played well. The Cubs’ passing attack needs improvement. Christensen, though, seems pleased with the progress the team has made in his first season taking over the program. Loyola plays Santa Ana Mater Dei in a scrimmage next Saturday at 5 p.m. at Loyola.

-- Eric Sondheimer