Separated only by a 12-mile stretch of Highway 101 but entering
the season from totally different ends of the spectrum, the Live
Oak Acorns and Gilroy Mustangs take the field tonight at 7 p.m. in
Gilroy in a clash that renews a once notable rivalry.
GILROY – Separated only by a 12-mile stretch of Highway 101 but entering the season from totally different ends of the spectrum, the Live Oak Acorns and Gilroy Mustangs take the field tonight at 7 p.m. in Gilroy in a clash that renews a once notable rivalry.
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,” said Live Oak head coach Jon Michael Porras. “(The rivalry) will probably pick up without missing a beat.”
The two teams last rumbled in 2005 – Live Oak pulled off a come-from-behind victory, 28-27.
“It’s the team you don’t want to lose to,” said first-year Gilroy head coach Greg Garcia. “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. “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.”
Tonight’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex on the campus of Gilroy High School.”
