"Sid Vicious" Meets "The Weed"

"Sid Vicious" meet "The Weed." This week's game between FSU and Boston College will feature two place kickers with unusual nicknames and kicking experience. Sid Vicious, so-called because his name, Steve Aponavicius, is difficult to pronounce, gained legendary status after he went from the stands of Alumni Stadium to competing on the field. Aponavicius gained legendary status as "Sid Vicious" after making the start against Virginia Tech before a national television audience in his first-ever organized football game. By the way, he made made 2-of-2 field goals from 36 and 20 yards and connected on two PATs in that game.

In 2006, he hit 24-of-25 PATs and made 8-of-11 field goals attempted on the season. This is the same guy that two years ago was painting his body in the school colors and cheering the team from the stands. He had never played football, but in high school, between soccer and baseball seasons, he practiced field goals for fun with his dad on a field near their home in Easton, Pa.

For this year, Aponavicius is seven for nine for a field goal percentage of almost 78%. His longest field goal has been for 46 yards. Five out of the seven field goals he has made have been between 20-29 yards. He is 29 for 32 in PATs. He is ranked number two in points scored for BC. In the ACC, Aponavicius is ranked number 8 in the ACC for field goals made.A report in The Boston Herald today notes that Aponavicius has come down with a back ailment and was not able to practice yesterday. Asked if he was concerned, coach Jeff Jagodzinski smiled and said, “Nah, we’re not playing (yesterday), are we?”

Gary Cismesia affectionately known as "The Weed" by many fans will be the place kicker for the Noles. He is known as "The Weed" because of a significant growth-spurt he experienced in elementary school. Cismesia it can be said is like a lot of the Nole field goal kickers of the past. Great expecations and then a let down in a big game. In 2006, Cismesia was 14 for 20 in field goals made. For 2007, Cismesia is 17 for 21 in field goals for a field goal percentage of 81%. He is 18 for 19 in PATs. His longest field goal has been for 45 yards. Cismesia is ranked number six in the ACC for field goals made in 2007. In 2006, he ended up ranked number 5 in field goals in the ACC. His numbers this year have been good. He is 4 for 5 between 40 and 50 yards and 8 for 9 between the 30 and 40 yard line.

This game could be very close and come down to a field goal winning the game in the fourth quarter. The question for Nole and BC fans is who do you prefer? Sid Vicious or The Weed?