Season begins for both teams
GILROY — Separated only by a 12-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 101 but entering the season from totally different ends of the spectrum, the Live Oak Acorns and Gilroy Mustangs take the field tonight in a clash that renews a once notable rivalry, and a game that is important for both teams to win.
The Acorns and Mustangs have two very different memories of the 2008 season. The Mustangs went 8-2 for their second straight Tri County Athletic League title. On the other hand, the Acorns struggled in the Mount Hamilton Division, posting a 4-6 record and missing the playoffs. The Mustangs want to continue their winning ways, while the Acorns are out to rebound and get back to the top. The scenarios are perfect for the opening week for local high school football.
“It’s a pretty big game, the guys are anxious to get going and get the season started,” Live Oak coach Jon Michael Porras said. “(The rivalry) will probably pick up without missing a beat.”
The time between the last matchup between the two schools is much longer than the 15-minute drive. The two teams last rumbled in 2005 — Live Oak scored 21 consecutive points in the second half to pull off a come-from-behind victory, 28-27.
“It’s the team you don’t want to lose to,” said first-year Gilroy coach Greg Garcia, who was on the sidelines as the Mustangs defensive coordinator in 2005. “I think it’s going to be a pretty good game.”
Gilroy senior quarterback Nick Marra makes his first-career start, leading the Mustangs’ high-powered offense.
“It’s time to put all that offseason training together,” Garcia said. “The kids are getting tired of beating up on each other. They are ready for that fresh meat and that’s a good thing.”
Standing in the way of Marra and company will be an experienced Acorns defense that features a strong corps of linebackers led by senior Mark Weber.
“It’s kind of cliche but if we can keep them off the field, we have a shot,” Porras said. “The longer our offense is on the field, the less theirs is.”
Friday’s game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kick-off at the Garcia-Elder Sports Complex field on the campus of Gilroy High School.
