Even their coach admits it, the Acorns look better this
summer
MORGAN HILL — Nico Devillires’ shotgun snap soared through the air like an eagle, landing softly into the awaiting hands of junior quarterback David Pelz.
It was majestic — far too majestic for Live Oak coach Jon Michael Porras’ liking.
“We need to get that snap down! It’s floating through the air like a, like a softball,” he said, shattering the tranquility. “Get some velocity.”
If Pelz’s hands weren’t in the way, Devillires’ next attempt would have broken his nose. The ball ricocheted off his fingertips and into the backfield.
Porras rubbed his temples.
“That was too much velocity!” a defender quipped.
Welcome back to summer football, the time of year when progress is paramount, and mistakes are OK, too (just don’t let it happen again). Porras has seen plenty of both in his third offseason as Acorns head coach, and he’s cracked a few smiles.
“They’re exceeding my expectations,” Porras said during a telephone interview Wednesday. “They’re working a lot harder than last year’s group. They have the potential to be a lot better. Overall, I give them a C.”
That letter grade says a lot, considering Porras gave his team an F at this point last summer. Although a tough grader, Porras knows what he’s doing; his Acorns finished 4-6 in 2008 and were, strengthwise, the weakest they’ve been in six years.
“Going into the summer, we needed them to be more motivated in the weight room and beef them up with exercises,” said Porras, who, at the time, was watching his players run up Diana Hill. “The guys are pushing themselves. I’m happy to see that.”
Porras is particularly impressed with his stout offensive linemen, who took their lumps as young starters in 2008.
“They should be the strongest they’ve been in years,” Porras said. “They should be the strength of this team.
“Last year, we had some guys that were coming along. This year, they’re experienced and getting after it. They’ve grown together.”
Working alongside Devillires and Jordan Stiers at center, the Acorns’ four returning starters — Erik Poulsen, Thomas Mangano, Justin Santos and Andrew Michel — looked sharp Tuesday as the Acorns scrimmaged with their new pistol-fleer offense. Pelz and Dylan Frechette, the top candidates to replace two-time all-league QB Jeff Roberts, looked comfortable in the pocket and on the run.
“They have some big shoes to fill,” Porras said. “They have the ability to fill in without missing a beat. Either one runs the ball well. They also throw pretty well, too. I’d say Dylan is better running, but Pelz throws a better ball right now.”
Porras still plans to use one quarterback this season and hasn’t ruled out going with Taylor Alonzo, arguably the team’s best athlete. Alonzo is currently listed atop the depth chart at running back.
“He could start just about anywhere,” Porras said. “I’d love to flex him out at receiver and use him for sweeps.”
Porras added that his Z wideouts are the best they’ve been in his tenure as head coach. He had good things to say about Jacob Montoya, Trevor Hickey, Artie Valencia and Cody Van Aken.
“They can catch and run. The good thing is, three out of four of them are juniors.”
Does this mean Live Oak will throw the ball more in 2009? This summer’s passing-league slate should determine that. The Acorns hosted a 7-on-7 event Thursday against Independence and rivals Sobrato and Gilroy, and will visit another one this weekend in Hollister.
“We’d like to pass, so we can spread it out and run the ball,” Porras said. “We’ll see how we do in the coming weeks, if we have the talent to throw the ball. I have 20 routs I need the receivers to learn, plus I need the QBs to get their reads down. It’s all about getting in reps right now.”
Passing league also will be a revealing test for Live Oak’s prized linebacker corps, led by Michael Singleton and Mark Weber.
“We’re going to see where they stand,” Porras said. “They have a lot of potential. It’s about trying right now and getting better.”
