No. 15 Salinas escapes with 27-19 win at Richert Field
MORGAN HILL — Aside from its winless record through two nonleague games, the Live Oak football team is where it needs to be heading into next week’s El Toro Bowl.
That’s the diagnosis coach Jon Michael Porras provided 72 hours after his team dropped a thrilling home opener at Richert Field. The Acorns lost 27-19 to Salinas but gained so much. Live Oak found a full-time starting quarterback in David Pelz, a go-to tight end in Cody Van Aken, and a never-say-die mentality that reflects cohesion.
Last year’s team caved in after behind by three touchdowns against the Cowboys (1-1). These Acorns committed five turnovers Friday — and still almost pulled it out.
“They fought hard. They really fought hard in that second half,” Porras said. “I understand more than ever that we’re a good team. It was kind of one of those coming-together games.
“We were our own worst enemies. We spotted them 19 points off turnovers.”
Live Oak’s 205-pound linebacker/running back Michael Singleton plowed into the end zone from a yard out and added a 2-point conversion run to make it 19-8 at halftime. Jacob Montoya added a 27-yard field goal, and Live Oak (0-2) was a possession away from pulling even with the No. 15-ranked team in the Central Coast Section, according to MaxPreps.
“If we could have held on to the ball, it might have been different,” said Porras, now in his third year as head coach. “We have to learn not to turn the ball over. Two fumbles, three interceptions: Those killed us.”
The Acorns committed four turnovers in their season-opening 36-13 loss to Gilroy, another Tri County Athletic League program.
Pelz, a junior, was picked off twice Friday but looked impressive while completing 11 of 17. His 208 passing yards marked an Acorns’ single-game record under Porras. Pelz also rushed for 16 yards and hooked up with wideout Dominic Leach for a 26-yard score in the second half.
“David wasn’t perfect in the second half,” Porras said. “He made some mistakes, but he moved the offense well.”
Pelz was in a tight competition with Dylan Frechette for the starting job this offseason. Frechette will still fit in at a number of positions, including wide receiver and cornerback. The senior clocked 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash this summer.
“He’s a good athlete, and we’re definitely going to use him,” Porras said.
Leach eclipsed 100 yards receiving for the second consecutive week, totaling four catches for 107 yards. Van Aken had six grabs for 90 yards, and Artie Valencia made two for 38. Singleton, a senior, converted a second 2-point run in the second half and finished with 16 tackles.
The Cowboys’ premiere back, Alvin Jelks, carried 21 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
The annual cross-town battle with Sobrato is next for Live Oak but not until Sept. 25. The Acorns have a bye week and expect the healthy return of three key players: running back Taylor Alonzo, the team’s fastest player; Julio Aguayo, an up-and-coming ball-carrier; and 300-pound defensive tackle Luke Van Dahlen.
Sobrato will visit Soquel on Friday.
“This is where we want to be,” said Porras, whose team is 2-0 all time against the rival Bulldogs. “We’re going to have three or four days to get better this week.
“While (Sobrato is) working on Soquel this week, we’re working on them.”
