But he is a phenomenal punter and placekicker, having made 83 percent of his career field goals. His 10 MWC player-of-the-week awards ties the league record.

He recently broke a 76-year-old school record for most points scored in a career, and a 39-year-old mark for career punting yards. He has had 18 punts downed inside the 5-yard line.

Not good enough for King Louie's expectations.

"I've already fallen short of my goals," said Sakoda. "I missed those two field goals at Air Force, and it's always on my mind. I know I should have made those kicks, so every day I try to be the same person. Especially as a kicker, you have to have humility, more than anyone else on the field."

Good point ... but why?

"Because you need to know what your role is. Your job is to kick leather. It's kind of a cheesy job."

Cheesy but important. Kind of like being president.

On the surface, Sakoda is easygoing and open, willing to laugh at himself. But behind the eyes there is flint. A mentor helped him develop "trigger" phrases that relax him as he takes the field, a type of self-hypnosis. He practices kicks so often in his mind, the real thing is easy.

Still, what if it comes down to a kick again this week?

"It shouldn't," he said matter-of-factly. "But, yeah, whatever happens, we're all there to do a job. I'm prepared for anything."

It's such a splendid thing to watch a king holding court.

---

E-mail: rock@desnews.com