Live Oak is back from the mandatory dead period and the goal, as it is every year, to get better in practice and gear up for a push into the new season.
The Acorns are coming off of a CCS Division III semifinals appearance in 2016 and they are itching to get back onto the field and get a chance to return and possibly go further in 2017.
“The goal is to get the kids in shape to play a varsity football game,” said coach Mike Gemo. “We’re going about it really good right now. Everyday we’re getting a little better.”
Gemo this summer pulled back from the usual football camps and 7-on-7 competitions to help the team focus on coming together even more.
“I felt this year it was better to work with our guys and have them to get working together to become a tighter nit group,” Gemo said. “We’re not a very deep team so I want to make sure less is more this summer.”
Live Oak is coming into this season with a couple of veterans in roles the team didn’t necessarily they would be seasoned vets just yet.
The veteran leadership means that Gemo is not only starting from a more advanced spot in installing an offense, but he is also getting big help in bringing younger players along.
“They understood from watching practice two or three years now that the off season is a big deal to get ready for the season,” Gemo said. “They are guiding the younger kids in how to get ready.”
Quarterback Jonathan Singelton enters his junior campaign with a playoff win under his belt and a confidence from having played very well in his sophomore year.
Behind him is a solid group of running backs who saw more time last year unexpectedly.
Led by Cole Davis, the Acorns’ running game got an added boost this summer because Davis and others had to fill in because of injuries and it give Gemo an added bonus as he works to install and refine his offense.
“It’s been nice. They got so much playing time last year at a high level. They are already way ahead of game offensively than where they were this time last year,” Gemo said. “I can throw in plays from last year and not have to reintroduce them.”
Live Oak has the Mt. Hamilton Division Jamboree coming up on Aug. 18 which will lead into the first game of the season at Alisal on Aug. 25.
Meanwhile, the focus is all on getting better and further getting the team chemistry together.
“They have good little connection with Christian (Guary) Jaime (Martinez) and Khy Rodriguez from the JV team,” Gemo said. “These guys are trying to fit in right spots to make plays.”
Gemo said the receivers are working with Singleton when they aren’t practicing to get their chemistry down even more.
Last year, Live Oak went 9-3 overall and 5-2 in Mt. Hamilton Division play.
A lot of that success was thanks in large part to the skillful play of Zach Heffernan and Alex Cornejo helping along a young quaterback, plus shoring up a solid defense.
Now the reins are on those younger players the seniors helped bring along and it is up to the new crop of seniors to bring the younger kids the same way. And as the new season nears, the focus is as always on a title.
