First-year varsity Cougars (0-1) host Live Oak (0-1) at 7 p.m.
Friday in Garcia-Elder Sports Complex
MORGAN HILL — Before taking questions about his team’s next opponent, Christopher, Live Oak coach Jon Michael Porras rattled off a few numbers he knew by heart Wednesday at Richert Field.
“One team had 91 yards passing and 173 yards rushing, including 74 on one play,” Porras said. “That team won. The other team had 413 yards in total offense; 268 rushing, 145 passing. That was us.”
You can’t blame Porras and the Acorns for still mulling over last week’s 35-30 defeat to Gilroy. Live Oak overcame a 22-7 deficit to lead 23-22 by the third quarter but could not escape another painful opening loss to the Mustangs.
The Acorns fell victim to old habits, yielding six fumbles and an interception. That left the quarterback position “50/50” again between seniors David Pelz and Dominic Bejarano, Porras said.
“It was the first game of the season, so hopefully we have it out of our system,” the fourth-year coach added. “The guys wish we could of had Gilroy for our second game instead.”
No matter what the city limit signs say heading into Garcia-Elder Sports Complex, Christopher is not Gilroy High School. Live Oak missed its chance to take one back against the rival Mustangs but can make amends somewhat against the Cougars starting at 7 p.m. Friday.
Christopher, a first-year varsity program from the Monterey Bay Athletic League, is coming off a 28-10 loss to Sobrato.
“Right now, we just need a win. It doesn’t matter who it’s against,” Porras said when asked what he will be looking for from his team in the final tune-up before the El Toro Bowl with Sobrato. “Both teams are 0-1. One of them is going to be 0-2 in nonleague after this week.
“What we need to do is play better assignment football. Last week, we were poor almost everywhere. … Defensively, we could have made some huge stops if guys just flowed the right direction and followed their assignments.”
Porras insisted Christopher is no push-over. Operating in a balanced attack last week, quarterback Brandon Pickens was 10-of-22 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown, and Jorge Ramos rushed for 67 yards in 15 carries.
“They have a couple guys who can make plays,” Porras said. “Emotions are going to be high for (Christopher) this game. We can’t take them lightly.”
Injury updates this week were good and bad for Live Oak. The Acorns welcomed back senior safety Ryan Hennings, now fully recovered from a broken ankle. Senior running back Blair Zerr, who is dealing with torn cartilage in his rib cage, appears ready for more action after rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown in three carries last week.
“We’re just a different team when Blair’s on the field. You can just feel it,” Porras said.
Junior linebacker Isaiah Campos is out for the season after an MRI revealed torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his knee last Friday. Campos, who was expected to be a solid contributor, was injured five plays into a scrimmage two weeks ago.
“It couldn’t have happened to a better person,” Porras said. “Isaiah fought back hard this offseason. We’ll miss him on the field.”
