Days after signing a five year contract extension with the San Diego Chargers, former Destrehan High School punter Mike Scifres did more than just get good hangtime with his punts.
Last week the eight-year veteran punter signed a new contract that will pay him $19 million over the next five seasons and $10 million is guaranteed.
Scifres had no idea what else was in store for him when the Chargers played the Minnesota Vikings Sunday afternoon.
Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding injured his knee on the opening kickoff and Scifres was put in the lineup as the team’s placekicker.
Scifres hit on his first field goal ever in the NFL when he connected from 40-yards out and he also was 3-for-3 on extra points to help the Chargers defeat the Vikings, 24-17.
“Mike did a tremendous job for us under some duress,” said Chargers head coach Norv Turner. “We forgot to tell him when he signed that new deal that next week he had extra duties.
Mike did a great job for us and he really is one of the best punters in the league today, but he was much more than that today for us and he showed nerves of steel for someone who hadn’t done that type of work in this league.”
Scifres has averaged 44.5 yards per punt throughout his NFL career, but he has punted in the shadow of one of the elite punters in NFL history in Shane Lechler for the Oakland Raiders.
Reed intercepts two passes in opener
Scifres was not the only former Wildcat to have a huge Sunday afternoon. Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed, the greatest football player to ever come from St. Charles Parish, turned 33 years old Sunday, and he put on another great performance in Baltimore’s 35-7 win over their archrival the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Reed intercepted two Ben Roethlisberger passes – the 13th time in his seven-time Pro Bowl career that he has pulled down at least two pass interceptions in a game. That feat leads all active NFL players and those two interceptions put his career total at 56.
“Just beating the Pittsburgh Steelers was enough for me today,” Reed said. “That was the best present I could have had. It’s just a blessing from above to be playing a child’s game at this point in my career, and my life.”
In 2010. at 32 years old and missing six games with a hip injury, Reed intercepted a league-high eight passes in just 10 games.
LSU back Blue impresses Miles
The LSU Tigers racked up 190 yards rushing in their 49-3 victory over Northwestern State (LA.) and former Hahnville High School star halfback Alfred Blue had a big game, rushing for 53 yards on 15 carries. He also scored a touchdown on a 4-yard run.
Blue got extensive playing time along with Michael Ford and Spencer Ware and the three gave the Tigers the type of depth and talent head coach Les Miles seeks in his backfield.
“I was extremely pleased with our offensive line play and our backs, all of them Michael Ford, Spencer Ware and Alfred got plenty of touches tonight,” Miles said. “I am a big believer in having good depth at that position and last week against Oregon we would have gotten Blue more touches, but Ware and Ford had the hotter rushing hand. Alfred has really worked hard and I am very pleased with his growth as a player.”
Former HHS receiver Byrd has 3 catches in loss
The Miami Hurricanes lost to Maryland 32-24 last Monday night, but former Hahnville High School standout wide receiver LaRon Byrd caught the eye of his new head coach Al Golden.
Byrd, a senior for the Hurricanes, caught 3 passes for 32 yards in the loss to the Terrapins and head coach Al Golden says the Hurricanes need to get the speedy end more opportunities to make big plays via the air route.
“I was impressed with LaRon and he has really improved as a route runner. His concentration level is much improved and he is learning how to use that great size to the maximum,” Golden said. “His combination of size and speed are excellent and we just have to do a better job of getting him the football downfield.”
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