Column: Crenshaw’s Roberto Salazar is a self-made punter and kicker

Crenshaw kicker and punter Roberto Salazar celebrates poses for a photo with his sister, Citlali, after making a game-winning field goal against Dorsey. To watch Roberto Salazar of Crenshaw High boom a punt 50 yards is stunning when you consider he’s had zero training other than coach Robert Garrett telling him, “Drop the ball and kick it.” “I’ve never been taught and never played soccer,” said the 16-year-old junior, who has a 3.8 grade-point average. “He just told me, ‘Take three steps back, take two steps to the side, run to the ball, keep your head down and kick it through,’” Salazar said. My teammates told me to take a deep breath and focus.” Salazar made the 20-yard field goal to put Crenshaw ahead in what would be a 37-34 victory after a last-second safety. “He plays really hard,” basketball coach Ed Waters said, “and by the time he went into 10th grade last year, his athleticism and length became a factor for us.” Salazar’s father, Roberto Sr., played basketball at Bell and is a construction worker.