LINE OF FIRE: Rams running back Jerome...

LINE OF FIRE: Rams running back Jerome Bettis is proving to be 243 pounds of trouble for opponents this season. With three games left, the rookie from Notre Dame is just 272 yards short of being the Rams’ second-best single-season rusher--after Eric Dickerson. Dickerson has the three best rushing seasons in team history. . . . But fans may love Bettis more. His comment after Sunday’s win: “The offensive line deserves all the credit.”

D.C. CONNECTION: To reach Washington, D.C., from John Wayne Airport now, you have to make stops or change planes. But beginning Feb. 9, United Airlines will offer the first nonstop, daily round-trip service between Washington’s Dulles International and John Wayne. A United spokesman says the route should aid “the burgeoning business and leisure area of Orange County.” Not to mention the time it can save a few local congressmen.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT? For safer holidays, the Los Alamitos police have scheduled sobriety and license checkpoints for Dec. 17, 23 and 30. And where will Friday night’s checkpoint be set up to catch any drunken Christmas shoppers? . . . At Katella Avenue and Noel Street. The location is “purely coincidence,” says project coordinator Bonnie Emmacks, who adds seriously: “This is a dangerous time on the highways.” Officers will also check on motorists’ use of seat belts and child car seats.

BREA BROUHAHA: Even Hollywood might be wide-eyed at the Brea City Council sessions these days. The constant 4-1 margin once sent the lone dissident, Kathy Wiser, rushing from the council chambers in tears. Recently, after another series of barbed exchanges between the two sides, Wiser’s husband interrupted to announce: “Come on, honey, let’s get out of here!” . . . Even City Atty. James Markman got in his shot as she angrily stormed out: “That’s the real Kathy Wiser.”

Gaining Ground

With three games to go, Jerome Bettis could rank just behind Eric Dickerson as the Rams’ best single-season rusher. Player: Yards gained Eric Dickerson: 2,105 (‘84) Eric Dickerson: 1,821 (‘86) Eric Dickerson: 1,808 (‘83) Charles White: 1,374 (‘87) Lawrence McCutcheon: 1,238 (‘77) Jerome Bettis: 1,103 (‘93) Source: L.A. Rams media guide