Football: A new kicking hero at Notre Dame

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Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, the school that produced All-American kickers Chris Sailer and Kai Forbath, found a new kicking hero on Friday night in sophomore Lucas Alfonso.

In his first-ever varsity kick, he made a 40-yard field goal in overtime to give the Knights a 17-14 victory over Valencia.

‘It was very exciting,’ he said.

After last week’s game against Gardena Serra, in which there were two extra points missed, Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney replaced the snapper, holder and kicker.

Then, in the first extra-point attempt against Valencia, the kick never got off because of a bad snap.

‘We put in a new snapper, and his first snap was like the old snapper, but the next one when we really needed it was great,’ Rooney said.

Sophomore long snapper Niko Walsh and junior holder Daniel Khan came through in the final field goal, and Alfonso is hoping the trio become best buddies over the next couple of years.

‘We’re all young,’ Alfonso said.

As for being nervous, Alfonso said, ‘I kind of think if I do my own thing, I’ll be fine. I was a little nervous, but when I got set up, saw how good the snap was, I knew it would be good.’

Asked how much sleep he got, Alfonso said, ‘When I got home, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t be happier. I eventually fell asleep but we had 8 a.m. practice.’

Notre Dame has already missed three extra-point attempts in two games, and Rooney vowed, ‘We’re not going to miss anymore.’

-- Eric Sondheimer