L’Observateur / December 20, 2000

NEW YORK – Destrehan High School is getting a reputation for sending out future All-Americans.

Ex-Destrehan kicker and current Western Illinois punter Mike Scifres was selected to The Associated Press Division I-AA second team Thursday, becoming the second former Wildcat in as many days to be named an All- American. Former Wildcat and current Miami (Fla.) defensive back EdwardReed was named to The Associated Press Division I-A first team Wednesday.

Scifres, a sophomore, punted 53 times this season for 2,288 yards, an average of 43.2 yards per punt. He set a school record with an 89-yardpunt during the season.

Scifres made his only field goal attempt of the season but it was a memorable one. Scifres nailed a 56-yard field goal as the clock ran out togive Western Illinois a 44-41 victory at Northern Iowa Nov. 18. The kick,the first of Scifres’ collegiate career, was both a school and UNI-Dome record and it clinched the Leathernecks’ third Gateway Football Conference in the last four years.

Scifres was busy during the game, recording two solo tackles and completing a two-point conversion pass.

Scifres was coming off freshman season in 1999 in which he punted 53 times for 2,171 yards, a 41.0 average per punt. He had punts of 68 and 70during the season.

Scifres was among five players from Louisiana to be named to the AP All- American team. McNeese State senior lineman Jake Morrison was selectedto the first team defense. Southern wide receiver Michael Hayes andMcNeese State offensive lineman Wes Hines were named to the second team. Grambling receiver Scotty Anderson was a third team selection.

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