More and more I am struck by the importance of the post-touchdown conversions, whether it be a PAT kick or a two-point conversion.

Three area football teams lost this week because an opponent did better on such plays than they did, and when teams lose close games, sometimes the effect can be felt the most when it comes playoff time.

Manitowoc Lutheran and Algoma each scored three touchdowns in their contest Friday, but Algoma converted a two-point conversion and two PAT kicks to win 22-18. Mishicot and Chilton also had three touchdowns apiece, but the Tigers' successful PAT kick and lucky tw0-point conversion -- Chilton's Zach Hintz recovered a fumble in the end zone on the conversion -- trumped the Indians' one PAT kick in a 21-19 win.

And for Two Rivers, they went 2-for-3 on the PAT kicks against Kiel on Friday night, but Kiel was a perfect 3-for-3 to win 21-20.

Earlier this year Valders also lost 14-13 to Shiocton when the Vikings were 1-of-2 on PAT kicks and Shiocton was 2-for-2.

Kicking PAT's is not an easy thing to do. It's hard enough to do when it's just a kicker and holder practicing, before throwing in the snap and the onrushing opponents. But the teams than can find a reliable kicker have the advantage when it comes down to close games.