In a game that has historically been a great rivalry, the Live
Oak Acorns will take on the Gilroy Mustangs for the season closer
tonight at Live Oak.
In a game that has historically been a great rivalry, the Live Oak Acorns will take on the Gilroy Mustangs for the season closer tonight at Live Oak.
Both teams have struggled this season, as Live Oak is coming into the game with a 0-8-1 record and Gilroy who has not won a league game after early success.
“We know that Live Oak is hungry for a win and they probably circled Gilroy on their schedule and said, ‘Gilroy hasn’t been playing very good football the past few weeks.’ This is where we can get our win,’” Mustang head coach Darren Yafai said. “I think that we’re a real hungry team, too. I think you’re going to see a close game. You are going to see some big plays. It will be exciting.”
Acorn Head Coach Glen Webb says that records will mean nothing in tonight’s game as both teams will play hard.
“A lot of these kids on both sides have known each other since pop warner,” Webb said. “It’s a rivalry. They have known each other of so long; this is a game they have been building towards.”
Going back to the 1990s, Live Oak has dominated the series, losing in 1991 and tying in 1996. However, in recent years it has been Gilroy taking the glory as they have won each of the past three match-ups.
Despite Live Oak’s record, the team has not been a guaranteed win for their opponents. With the exception of last week’s shut out loss, Live Oak has played well and stayed in each of their games.
On the other side of the ball, the Mustangs came out strong in pre-season action, winning their first four games- but due to what was deemed a clerical error, the Mustangs forfeited a 30-6 win over San Lorenzo.
Live Oak will have to find an answer for the Mustang quarterback and their running back, according to Webb.
“They do a lot of things well,” Webb said. “They mix up play calling with a wide variety of passes, runs and trick plays. They will present a challenge to defend.”
Some of the Acorn players have had experience in what has amounted to the big game between the two teams. Last season, running back Daniel Salinas scored against Gilroy in the game Live Oak lost 28-18. Salinas has proved to be a potent weapon for Live Oak leading the team in rushing with 400 yards.
Looking back on the season, Webb says he is proud of the effort his players gave. Despite a similar record to last season, he says the team is not the same.
“I believe that the team is improving,” Webb said. “With the nature of the schedule, winning games can put you in the top ten. We’ve been knocking on the door, but we’re not quite there. In that respect, it has been a successful season. We’ve continued to improve, we kept our focus and have gotten something out of the experience.”
Webb has also been impressed with how the team has stayed together. They only losses the Acorns suffered, in terms of players, was through injury.
“The kids have had more than their share of adversity, but no one has quit, which is unusual for this type of situation,” Webb said. “It speaks of the high degree of character the young men have.”
Over the season, Live Oak has had to deal with injuries to the players, but Webb expects all of his players to be ready to go tonight, with the exception of John Pedersen who is out following shoulder surgery.
Yafai says that the key to the game will be turnovers. Last week against North Salinas, turnovers killed drives and their hopes of coming a way with a win.
“Offensively, it’s consistency. Last week, we moved the ball down the field against North Salinas and then we throw interception. It’s consistency and finish. We need to finish off some drives this week,” Yafai said. “I think the team that doesn’t turn it over is probably going to win this game.”
Kick off will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Live Oak football field.
Sports Writer Scott Forstner contributed to this report.
