With less than one minute left to play, the Live Oak Acorns were
holding one to a 20-13 lead, but a last second drive by Alisal was
too much for the defense and the game ended in a tie.
With less than one minute left to play, the Live Oak Acorns were holding one to a 20-13 lead, but a last second drive by Alisal was too much for the defense and the game ended in a tie.
This officially breaks the season long losing streak, but Live Oak still is with out a win in 19 games, dating back to last season. Their record is now 0-4-1.
“All this means is we have unfinished business,” said Glen Webb, the Live Oak head coach. “They very much need a win. To have one in their hands and slip away hurts.”
Although this was a home game, the Acorns were forced to play in Gilroy after the field was ruled unsafe for play. The Acorns didn’t let the move bother them, and they played hard and nearly won the game.
The Acorns were led by Quarterback Steve Conner, who competed six passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. Conner also ran for 49 yards, including two touchdowns. His only blemish on the night was an interception late in the second quarter.
Live Oak’s offense was working on all eight cylinders and seemed unstoppable. By the second quarter, Live Oak had jumped out to a 12-0 lead and were poised finish the job.
Alisal had other intentions. Despite some costly penalties, including one that took away a 52-yard touchdown run, the Trojans were still in the game. Late in the second quarter Alisal cut Live Oak’s lead in half following an 80 yard touchdown drive.
Live Oak answered with a drive of their own, but quarter Conner was picked off on the one yard line.
In the second half, Live Oak was able to stop Alisal’s opening drive, but gave up the ball themselves after minimal gain. Alisal’s next drive went 42 yards for another touchdown.
Live Oak seemed done, but the fourth quarter proved the team still had life left in them. The Acorns capped off two long rushes by running back Daniel Salinas when Conner connected with wide receiver Eduardo Arias for a 26 yard touchdown pass.
After a few more drives by both sides that did not result, Alisal had the ball with less than two minutes left in the game.
The Live Oak defense looked to be putting the breaks on the Alisal offense yet again, but the opportunity slipped their fingers. The Live Oak line was able to penetrate on several occasions, but they were only able to get one sac. Alisal got within striking distance of the goal line and with less than 30 seconds left to play, they were able to connect with a pass in the end zone. Following an extra point conversion, the score was tied.
It was a devastating turn of events for the Live Oak team, who have been chopping at the bit for a win. Despite more than 130 yards rushing, Salinas says none of that matters if the team can’t win.
“We are all hoping for a win,” Salinas said. “Everyone played hard.”
While he was disappointed with not being able to put a one in the win column, Webb was optimistic with what he saw.
“We are trying the break the ice,” said Webb. “Whether or not this was enough, I’m not sure. We melted the ice, we may have cracked it, but it didn’t break. This team doesn’t have quitters. Everyone will [be out at practice] working just as hard.”
Live Oak will now look to Friday, when they play Hollister for Live Oak’s homecoming. Webb says that the field had been cleared for play for both varsity and junior varsity games.
