High School Girl Kicks 43-Yard Field Goal, Sets National Record

The Colts beat the Redskins Sunday night, but it was in spite of kicker Adam Vinatieri, who honked two attempts (from 38 and 48 yards). I mention this because Indianapolis might have been better off with Firestone High School (Ohio) kicker, Alana Gaither (yep, she's a girl).

She recently set what is believed to be a national high school record when she converted a 43-yard field goal, thought to be the longest by a female.

More via MaxPreps (by way of Out of Bounds)

Her kick came with two seconds left in the first half. "Everybody went nuts," Coach Tim Flossie recalled. "She trots off and says, 'Coach, I told you so.'"

Gaither said she "was really shocked when my coach told me (about the record). Before the game I hit a couple of 45s. As excited as I am, (I know) there are a lot of guys who can kick 40-yard field goals."

Through seven games she has these outstanding statistics: 4-for-4 on field goals (other distances were 37, 34 and 32 yards) and 21-for-23 on extra points. She set a school record going 8-for-8 in one game. One of her misses was against a college (shorter) crossbar and the other was blocked.

"I just pick a point down the middle of the crossbar, stare at it, concentrate and let my leg do the rest," is how Gaither explains her tremendous accuracy.

And if the Colts aren't interested, the Steelers should be. They could have used three points against the Ravens two weeks ago. Plus, unlike incumbent kicker Jeff Reed (who is on a one-year deal), Gaither doesn't hold grudges against Sheetz towel dispensers.