Mannisto: Getting a leg up on the competition

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I never thought this day would come, but it has. Yes, I’m doing another item on a kicker, this time Jordan Mannisto, pictured right, of Westlake (6-3 overall). Keep in mind, about two weeks ago I blogged about David Brown from Ojai Nordhoff and didn’t receive much, if any, feedback. But hey, kickers deserve recognition too. I mean, if I don’t acknowledge them, who will?

Back to Mannisto. I knew he was approaching some kind of record, and the Ventura County Star confirmed what I’d thought. The senior reached a milestone last week against Agoura when he booted a 31-yard field goal in the first half, the 24th of his career, a total that’s tied for the most in Ventura County history. He shares the record with Felipe Macias, who set the mark from 2002-2004 while at Oxnard Channel Islands.

Mannisto will have an opportunity to set the all-time mark Friday in the Marmonte League finale against Moorpark (6-3). Beyond that, Mannisto appears to be talented enough to play at the next level. At least Nevada and San Diego St. seem to think so. Both programs have expressed interest, though no offers have been made.

In the meantime, you can count on Mannisto converting field goals. As for me? Guess, I’ll be keeping an eye out for another kicker to blog about. Someone has to.

-- Sean Ceglinsky

-- Image by Stephen Osman/Los Angeles Times