Athlete of the Week: Poway High’s Choukair beats odds with record-breaking 50-yard FG
By Michael Bower
The odds are stacked against just about any high school kicker who dreams of splitting the uprights from 50 yards or more.
Getting the opportunity to attempt the kick might actually be tougher than making it; since many coaches will often elect to go for it on fourth down inside an opponent’s 40-yard line.
So just the chance at achieving the feat comes around maybe once a year. Then, of course, comes the other hard part: making it.
Poway High’s Jordan Choukair beat those odds last week. The right-footed junior made the most of his 50-yard
attempt, booming the ball through the uprights with about three yards to spare to break the school record.
“I knew the school record was 40-something yards, but I wasn’t thinking about any of that when I was going out there,” he said. “I was just making sure my steps were good, but once I hit it and made it I was just really excited. It was a big accomplishment.”
Choukair’s blast came with 8:10 to go in the first quarter of the Titans’ 38-3 loss to Mt. Miguel. He broke the previous school record of 47 yards, which was set by Dennis Miller in 1976 and later tied by Bryant Edelson in 2004 and Marcus Diaz in 2009.
For his efforts, Choukair is the Rancho Arbolitos Swim and Tennis Club Athlete of the Week.
“I was really excited for the opportunity and a little nervous,” said Choukair, whose father, John, bounced around in the NFL as a kicker for three years. “Not many high school kickers get the opportunity to try one from that far. I am grateful that coach (Damian) Gonzalez and the staff gave me the opportunity.”
It was an opportunity that may have never come for Choukair, if it weren’t for the Titans’ freshman football team searching for a kicker a few years ago. Naturally, coaches called Poway boys soccer coach Eugene Morris to see if he had any players who would give it a try.
“I wasn’t planning on kicking at all in high school,” Choukair said. “But they called Gene and he called my dad because he knew my dad played and he thought my dad could help me out. My dad asked me and I said yes.”
John, who played with the Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers, Los Angeles Rams and spent some time with the San Diego Chargers, took Jordan out to the grass field at Poway High along with some footballs and tees.
He showed Jordan a few things and his first strike was a low liner that was nowhere close to the uprights. But by the end of the session, Jordan was splitting the posts.
“It is amazing to have my own coach living under the same roof as me,” said Jordan, referring to his father. “If I ever have any questions, he is right there. And anytime I want to go down to the field and work on stuff, he is here and willing to work with me.”
Jordan’s priorities have shifted with the newfound love of football. He was a soccer and baseball guy first, but now he is focused on following in his father’s footsteps and maybe one day kicking in the NFL. First, of course, he hopes to catch the attention of a college football program.
“I am hoping maybe a scout will be out here looking at somebody else and they happen to see me,” Choukair said. “My ultimate goal is to first kick for a college and if I am lucky enough to catch a team in the NFL that would be absolutely amazing.”
As for soccer? Well, Morris may not see Choukair on the field this year.
“I am not sure if I am going to play soccer,” Choukair said. “It depends on how I feel after football season. I love the sport and I have been playing it for so long, but football has grown to be the No. 1 sport in my life.”