Off-the-field issues not affecting practice
MORGAN HILL — Things are quietly getting back to normal for Live Oak football.
The team will wrap up Week 2 of spring camp today and is holding steady amid a storm of off-the-field issues. The three assistants who reportedly were let go by coach Jon Michael Porras on May 11 only to be asked back are still with the program, though Porras had not discussed their job status with them as of Wednesday.
Defensive coordinator Erin Cockrell, defensive line coach John Fredrick and offensive line/running backs coach Scott Matthews have been at practice.
“Practice is going OK,” Cockrell said. “We’re doing what we do and nothing’s being said. We’re just focused on coaching and working with the boys and getting ready for summer. Our jobs aren’t my issue to figure out, so I’m not thinking about the process.”
There are no new developments as well in the school’s ongoing second investigation of Porras. Assistant Superintendant of Human Resources Jay Totter declined to comment.
Speaking on anonymity, one parent questioned motives behind the investigation this week.
“I think (Porras) is getting a raw deal. I think the parents could have tried better to work things out with him,” the parent said. “If it’s about playing time, they need to understand that coaches put guys in the game to give their team the best chance to win games.
“I know some of them don’t like when a coach yells and gets fired up, but that’s part of coaching. I’m just disappointed with the whole situation.”
Several disgruntled parents of players initiated the investigations of Porras last winter. They said he verbally abused players, calling them “heart-less losers” at halftime during one game. Live Oak principal Nick Boden stood by Porras following the first investigation.
The firings came during the second one after Boden discussed the inquiry with several assistant coaches. Porras made the firings only to learn he does not have the authority.
Former defensive line coach Mark Dean voiced support for Porras, who is 16-19 in three seasons as head coach, including two trips to the Central Coast Section playoffs.
Dean coached under Porras from 2007-09.
“I have not seen Jon Michael ever attack a kid verbally or be demeaning,” said Dean, whose son, Eric, played for Porras until graduating in 2009. “If he has an issue, he’s good about taking kids aside and talking to them. He had a positive effect on my son.”
Players are doing their best to focus on football, though some are anxious that Morgan Hill Unified School District officials are going to wait until school gets out to conclude the investigation.
The firings in early May led several defensive players to organize an on-campus rally in support of Cockrell, whose unit was a key part of Live Oak’s run to the postseason in fall.
They held off after meeting with Totter.
“We just wanted the school district to know that we want coach Cockrell on staff,” junior linebacker T.J. Ornduff said. “Our defense can be successful as long as Cockrell is in charge of us.”
The team drew about 50 players this week as spring sports continued to wind down. They went through the basics at practice, making headway for summer football.
“It’s going well for the most part,” Ornduff said. “This is the time for us to build a strong family mentality, and I think we’re doing that. We’re just trying to move past all this.”
Porras did not return phone calls.
