CAN'T HIDE FROM PAIN UCLA KICKER GRIFFITH TRIES TO MAKE SENSE OF MISS.

Byline: Billy Witz Staff Writer

As the Angels, after washing away years of frustration, celebrated the franchise's first trip to the World Series late Sunday afternoon, somewhere in the upper deck along the first-base line at Edison Field sat a young man with an Angels cap pulled down tight over his head.

``I was trying to go incognito,'' Chris Griffith said.

If Griffith was ever going to lose himself in a sea of red, all he had to do was turn around. Sitting right behind him was someone wearing a UCLA cap. Talk about feeling blue.

It's been less than three days since Griffith missed a 46-yard field goal that all but sealed UCLA's 31-30 loss to Oregon. It's felt more like a lifetime.

Wherever Griffith goes - be it checking his phone messages, being greeted by a horde of reporters after practice Monday or even venturing out to watch the Angels - it's not easy to escape the reminders.

Not only that he missed, but that he did it again. Against Oregon. And just like last season's 50-yarder that couldn't find the mark against the Ducks, it was the difference between his team winning and losing.

``It's almost unbelievable to me,'' Griffith said. ``I can't believe it happened again. When I think about it, I stop myself from thinking about it.''

Or at least he would like to.

Griffith spoke easily and confidently, but each expression of optimism was followed by one of regret.

``The sun will come up and birds will sing tomorrow,'' Griffith said. ``But God, I wish I could have it back again. I wish I could have one more try. But you can't. That's the hard part.

``It's been like a fog, almost. I saw myself make that kick 100 times before I went out there. I watched it so many times (on video tape) already, I'm surprised I didn't make it. I've watched and rewound it so many times, I'm surprised it didn't just hook in there once. It was one kick. One big kick and I didn't make it. It's unfortunate, it's sad.''

Such is the life of a kicker.

In three years, Griffith had established himself as a dependable kicker, though he was rarely called on to win games. He beat Washington in overtime with a 22-yard field goal in 1999, and he hit a 37-yarder that prolonged an overtime loss to Cal the next season. The only other game-deciding kicks he's been asked to make have been against the Ducks.

``You're a kicker, that's your life,'' quarterback Cory Paus said. ``That's just the way it is. I'm sure his life would be a lot different if he had made the kick. Either you make it and you're a hero, or you miss it and everybody blames it on you. It's like quarterback, but the quarterback has a whole game. Kickers have just one kick.''

Griffith, though, has not been as dependable this season. He's made just 7 of 12 kicks, already missing as many as he had in any prior season. The extra point that was blocked against Oregon came a week after Oregon State blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown.

Friends, family, teammates and UCLA coach Bob Toledo have spent the last few days doing their best to make sure Griffith doesn't get down on himself.

``Young people are fragile, you've got to be careful,'' said Toledo, who acknowledged that Griffith's inconsistency played into his decision to call a fake field goal. ``We all make mistakes. You're not always perfect and unfortunately, in that situation, it's do or die, everybody in the world watching you.

``I'm going to show confidence in him by talking to him, ... by not yelling and screaming, getting somebody to replace him. He's disappointed, but we're going to stick together and get it done.''

It probably helps that Griffith isn't a typical kicker. While he practices mostly alone, he was a successful high school quarterback, an accomplished soccer player and a Nevada state finalist in the high jump.

``He's pretty good about being calm,'' said his father, Christopher. ``He knows pressure situations.''

It also helps he's well-liked by his teammates. He was noticeably touched by the encouragement he received from Toledo and players like offensive tackle Mike Saffer, who pulled him aside after practice. Two of his former roommates now in the NFL, Jeff Grau and Freddie Mitchell, have spoken to him. One of his best friends, former quarterback Ryan McCann, called.

And then there is his family. The Griffith clan, about 25 strong from Lake Tahoe and Orange County, had its typical tailgating party after Saturday's game. Instead of a toast, family members offered a pat on the back.

Then he went back with his roommate, UCLA baseball player and lifelong friend Chad Concolino, to their apartment. They ordered a pizza and joined another friend and played cards.

``I know it's tough, but he's not going to run from this,'' Concolino said. ``If it was me, I wouldn't want to talk about it, but Chris is mentally tough. I just hope he gets another chance.''

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

(color) CHRIS GRIFFITH

File photo