Emerald Bowl will feel like home to him

Justin Medlock, UCLA’s All-American kicker, was pleased when the Bruins accepted a bid to play Florida State in the Emerald Bowl on Dec. 27.

That’s because Medlock, a senior who grew up in the Bay Area, will get a chance to finish his college career in front of family and friends at AT&T; Park in San Francisco.

“I get a chance for a little redemption, because we lost the last time we played up there and I didn’t kick too well,” said Medlock, who missed two of three field-goal attempts in UCLA’s 38-24 loss at California on Nov. 4.

“And you know, we’ll probably get some bad weather, which only adds to the challenge. I’ve always been the type, when I’m able to look at something as a challenge, I kick a lot better.”

Medlock, picked for several All-American teams after leading the nation in field goals made at 2.17 per game, is second on UCLA’s all-time field-goal and scoring lists with 68 and 348 points.

He has made 26 of 30 field-goal attempts this season.

“People are always trying to hype people up, but it really doesn’t matter, because if you mess up, they will put you right back in your place -- real quick,” said Medlock, who played at San Jose Mission High.

“This is a great way for me to finish, playing in front of so many people from home, but it also presents a big test. Something I’m looking forward to.”

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Senior receiver Andrew Baumgartner also has Bay Area roots. Baumgartner, who played at Marin Catholic High, will have about 40 relatives and friends at AT&T; Park.

“It’s a big thing for my family to have everyone come in for Christmas,” said Baumgartner, who has caught seven passes for 63 yards. “Most of my family lives in the Bay Area, but the ones who don’t, come back. With the game Dec. 27, everyone will be there for my final game.”

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Coach Karl Dorrell said this year’s team has been his best in terms of being ready to practice every day.

“You give them time off, they come back and give you everything they got,” Dorrell said.

“We’re not having as many practices for this game as we had [previously], and they have responded well. They know that we’re working on getting their timing back and we have time to do that.”

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UCLA will leave for the Emerald Bowl today and begin practice at San Francisco City College on Saturday morning. The Bruins will be staying at the San Francisco Marriott.

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lonnie.white@latimes.com

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Bruins’ little gem

Justin Medlock’s career numbers at UCLA going into Wednesday’s Emerald Bowl against Florida State:

*--* Year FG PAT Pts. 2003 14-19 26-26 68 2004 15-20 42-43 87 2005 13-17 50-50 89 2006 26-30 26-26 104 Totals 68-86 144-145 348

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Source: UCLA