Kickers Are Getting a Leg Up on Scoring

Kickers seldom get much attention, but they are making a large impact on Orange County’s football teams this season.

Rancho Santiago’s Jerry Arguello had 15 points (three field goals and six extra points) on a windy afternoon as the Dons beat Orange Coast, 51-27, Saturday. He has made 18 of 18 extra-point tries and nine of 13 field-goal attempts this season and has 45 points.

Saddleback’s Brett Thompson is 30 of 30 on extra points. He is only seven of 13 on field-goal tries but has made one from 52 yards, which is the best in the Mission Conference so far this season. He has 51 points, which leads players on Orange County teams.

Fullerton’s Chris Diaz has made 14 of 14 extra points and nine of 10 field-goal attempts for 41 points.

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Cross here: The cross-country season is nearing the end and the top teams in Southern California meet Saturday at Fairview Regional Park in Costa Mesa for the Southern California qualifier.

The women’s race is at 10 a.m. and the men run at 11. At stake are the at-large berths into the state meet. The other 10 berths come from the conference champions and the second place team in the 10-team Western State Conference.

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Rankings: Saddleback (7-0) is the top-ranked team in the Southland football poll. Long Beach (6-1) is second, Mt. San Antonio (5-1) is third, Hancock (6-0) fourth, Grossmont (6-0) fifth, Los Angeles Valley (6-1) sixth, Bakersfield (5-1) seventh, Moorpark (6-1) eighth, San Bernardino Valley (5-1) ninth and Cerritos (5-2) 10th.