LO’s player turnout a record under Porras
MORGAN HILL — He teaches social studies, but Live Oak football coach Jon Michael Porras is more of a math guy this time of year. Off the top of his head, Porras can answer just about any frequently-asked-statistical question regarding Live Oak football from the last half decade.
The third-year head coach is warming up to numbers even more now; his team has all the right ones. Porras was upbeat Monday as he watched the Acorns trickle into Richert Field for the first day of full-contact practice.
“We have 53 guys. That’s a varsity record since I’ve been coach,” he said. “Last year, we started with 53 but we dropped about 10 kids. This year, we started with 45 but we added eight.
“We have the most guys we’ve had since 2004, and that’s when we were a big school.”
The team has not been slowed by the lack of a full week of two-a-days. Of those 53 players who reported Monday, 21 have clocked less than five seconds in the 40-yard dash — another team record according to Porras.
The fastest Acorn, so far, is senior running back Taylor Alonzo (4.4 seconds).
“We have a lot of speed,” Porras said. “They’re moving out there. They were excited to get the pads back on today; they’re excited to get after it.”
Porras was pleased after Monday’s morning session. The offense is picking up its new pistol-fleer attack, and the defense has met the coaches’ expectations. Porras is even satisfied with the sophomores he brought in to expand the depth chart and fuel competition.
“They’re close to where they need to be,” he said of his offense. “There’s a drop every now and then. They’re not looking too bad right now. It’s just a matter of concentration.
“The line is getting there. They still kind of overthink a little but they’re starting to understand what’s going on. They’re learning to attack the defense instead of waiting.”
No starting spots have been secured, but the first and second strings are beginning to take shape. Senior Dylan Frechette and junior David Pelz continue to battle for the job under center.
“(Frechette’s) taken more of the first-team snaps but he is playing some defense now, too, because Pelz has been pretty consistent,” Porras said. “We don’t have to worry about our quarterback getting hurt this year.”
Live Oak’s running backs followed their blocks well Monday, turning inside runs into big gains versus the first-team defense. Blair Zerr was on his way to scoring on a trap play before the whistle blew.
“We’ll be fine this year. We’ve got the athletes,” line coach Bart Nielsen said.
Although a receiver first, senior Dominic Leach got off several nice punts during special teams practice.
“He’s a great athlete all around,” Porras said.
Even Live Oak’s injury numbers aren’t too shabby. The Acorns had three players out with injuries Monday, including senior wideout Trevor Hickey (separated shoulder), but they are on pace to be at full strength by their Oct. 2 league opener at Pioneer.
“Hickey shouldn’t be in for the first game against Gilroy,” Porras said. “But he’ll be ready to go for Sobrato.”
Live Oak will take part in a four-team scrimmage with Independence, James Lick and Half Moon Bay at 6:30 p.m. next Friday at Independence High School.
