HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Few football programs have consistently turned out better kickers than Notre Dame.

The latest is senior Ryan Allen, who has made all six of his field-goal attempts and is 11 for 12 in four seasons.

He follows in the tradition of Chris Sailer, Rick Jacobs, Steve Lee, Juan Plascencia, Pat Thomsen, Chris Afarian and Brian Greenfield, all of whom were top kickers or punters.

“I always strive to be better than Sailer,” said Allen, who considers the former prep All-American a standard for excellence.

Allen kicked a career-best 45-yard field goal against St. Francis last week.

He receives plenty of competition in practice because Notre Dame is overflowing with quality kickers. Junior Nick Folk is known for his booming kickoffs and had a 62-yard punt against St. Francis. Senior Brett Savel could start for most teams at punter. There are so many kickers that senior Jim Sharp isn’t needed even though he can kick, too.

“We really have been fortunate to have so many guys interested in kicking and we place a high priority on it,” Coach Kevin Rooney said.

Allen, who has a 4.0 grade-point average and used to play soccer, likes to practice kicking the ball into a net in his backyard while his father, a professional cameraman, films his technique.

“The slightest thing could throw you off,” Allen said.