While the Live Oak High girls soccer team is still clearly the
class of the Tri-County Athletic League, last Wednesday
’s match between the defending section co-champion Acorns and
upstart Gilroy was an eye-opener. No matter how much LO coach Tony
Vasquez framed the 2-2 tie as a failing by his team, the perennial
league champs with the tough non-league schedule, it was clear that
some TCAL teams are starting to ra
ise their sights in order to compete with the Acorns.
While the Live Oak High girls soccer team is still clearly the class of the Tri-County Athletic League, last Wednesday’s match between the defending section co-champion Acorns and upstart Gilroy was an eye-opener. No matter how much LO coach Tony Vasquez framed the 2-2 tie as a failing by his team, the perennial league champs with the tough non-league schedule, it was clear that some TCAL teams are starting to raise their sights in order to compete with the Acorns. There is nothing as sincerely flattering as imitation. In the case of the Mustangs, who didn’t win a league match last season, it took the form of an aggressive style of play similar to LO’s, which should be proud of the role it has played in raising the level of play of at least one team. Now if only the rest of the TCAL would consistently raise their level of play using the Acorns as their model. But they don’t have much time. LO’s on its way to the Blossom Valley League in 2006-07.
- Congrats to the Live Oak High girls basketball team for its victory over visiting Salinas last week, which broke a 21-game league winless streak for the Acorns. It hasn’t been an easy two and a half seasons since LO’s last league victory. There’s been a new coach every season and the TCAL just seems to keep getting tougher. Here’s hoping Coach Jeff Perkins fulfills his vow to hang around for a few years and help lend a little stability to the program. And, here’s to the LO fans who came out to support the team during the game, indeed the entire seasons, and give it a big boost.
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Good signs from the 49er camp: New head coach Mike Nolan brings in Mike Singletary. Remember that guy’s eyes during his playing days? Just think what it would be like to play for him.
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Bad signs from the 49er camp: Owner John York still hasn’t changed his mind about leaving the 45-year-old, first-time head coach Nolan in charge of player personnel. Believe me, Nolan will have his hands full just coaching this bunch.
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Here’s hoping: Nolan does such a great job with the draft, maybe trading the 49ers’ overall No. 1 draft choice for several of the dozen or so starters the team needs, and coaching that he leads the team back to the playoffs and I have to eat my words.
Jim Johnson is the Morgan Hill Times’ Sports Editor. He can be reached by phone at (408) 779-4106 (ext. 203) or by email at
jj******@mo*************.com
