At the beginning of the 2007 season the Live Oak football team
set a goal to be playing on Thanksgiving Day, and Friday’s 41-28
victory over Independence High School brought them one step closer
to reaching it.
At the beginning of the 2007 season the Live Oak football team set a goal to be playing on Thanksgiving Day, and Friday’s 41-28 victory over Independence High School brought them one step closer to reaching it.
Improving their record to 5-3, the Acorns scored five offensive touchdowns and their first defensive touchdown of the year in the division match-up.
Head coach Jon Michael Porras was happy with win, but even more pleased with one of his team’s off field accomplishments.
“I’m really proud of our team because this is the first time in years that we didn’t lose a player to grades,” Porras said.
The last grade check of the season came out last week and every player on the team met the minimum 2.0 grade point average.
“Everyone’s still here, and I ‘m really proud of the guys for that,” Porras said. “It says a lot about the character of our guys.”
In his second game back from a hamstring strain that trainer Jeff Roberts thought would keep him out for four weeks, senior Matt Cummins scored three touchdowns to lead the Acorns.
Up 14-6 in the second quarter, Cummins had an interception which he returned for a touchdown.
Cummins’ two other touchdowns came on rushes.
“Matt performed at a high level, and after his interception and touchdown we never looked back,” Porras said.
Independence had a few big plays in the fourth quarter to make a game out of the contest.. “They ran 36 plays for 80 yards , then in the fourth we gave up some yards and they four plays for about 220 yards,” Porras said. “They are an explosive team offense wise,but our defense stepped up and did great job.”
Senior wide receiver Tim O’Rourke had three catches for 40-yards, and made some crucial blocks to set up his teammates.
Junior quarterback Jeff Roberts had a 50-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and O’Rourke made a key block on a defensive back to protect Roberts.
“He’s a huge weapon to have out there, and he’s a really unselfish kid … he’s the epitome of a team player,” Porras said. “It’s worked pretty well having him slide to wide receiver and Roberts to QB.”
Roberts was 4-7 passing for 60 yards, and had close to 100 yards rushing and two TDs.
“Roberts creates a big mismatch for any defense and he’s an explosive threat that teams have to counter for,” Porras said. “He brings a whole different dimension to our game.”
The offensive line also played really well for the second game in a row, Porras said.
The Acorns have two games left on the season where they face two of the best teams in the Blossom Valley Athletic League.
Live Oak will travel to face Pioneer this Friday with hopes of ending their chances for the league title.
“Pioneer is really good. They are just an efficient tea,” Porras said. “We can”t take any time off … Pioneer is in the league running for championship and we’re trying to spoil that party and have second place for ourselves.”
Pioneer defeated Branham High School 51-10 on Friday.
In comparison, Live Oak defeated Branham 41-18 the week before during homecoming.
Porras said winning five games is a good accomplishment, but he remains un-satisfied with his teams’ level of play.
“They played well, and this game was huge step towards the playoffs,” Porras said. “But we have to win out if we want to be playing on Thanksgiving … it’s basically ours to lose now.”
