The vast majority of teams would have been content to run out the first-half clock and be happy with a 14-point lead, but most teams don't have a kicker like C.J. Gradoville.

Gradoville hammered a 49 yard field goal just before the break in St. Albert's 44-9 win over Underwood in Class 1A, District 8 football Friday at Al Leber Field.

"A kicker like that gives you options that a high school team doesn't usually have," said Falcon coach Jim Duggan. "He is just so consistant."

Doug Moran gave the home team the lead with two first-half touchdown runs, the first a 44-yard jaunt up the middle that included three broken tackles.

Gradoville's effort before half followed a near sack of Nolan Batten, who avoided the loss with a pass to no one in particular that appeared to be intentional grounding.

The Eagle coaching staff launched a loud protest, but the no-call stood and Gradoville's boot cleared the crossbar by less than a foot.

"Nolan didn't have a great first half passing," said Duggan. "In the second half he started seeing the field a little better."

Batten did run the ball well in the first half, as did Jeremy Schieffer, who broke loose on several long runs.

Batten found his passing touch and Cameron Tucker for a 25-yard touchdown pass to make the lead 24.

Schieffer bulled in from two yards before Paul Robinson sprinted 65 yards for Underwood to break a two-year touchdown drought for the Eagles against he Falcons.

Batten got into the act one more time with a touchdown pass to Matt Waters.

The Eagles managed one last drive, but stalled at the seven-yard line and had to settle for Spencer Fritsch kicking a 24 yard field goal.

Jake Waters entered as quarterback for the Falcons and wrapped up the scoring with a six yard scoring strike to Matt O' Malley.

"We have to keep improving week after week," said Duggan, whose team all but wrapped up a 10th consecutive postseason berth with the win. "We still have to go out and play hard the last two games."

The Falcons host Panorama next Friday.

"They run a wide-open offense but they haven't had much success this year," said Duggan. "We need to take care of business."

Underwood 0 0 6 3 - 9

St. Albert 7 10 20 7 - 44

Records: Underwood (2-3, 3-4), St. Albert (4-1, 5-2).

Ratings: SWI: St. Albert 6th (A-1A-2A).

Matt Preito - Daily Nonpareil - 10.14.06