Prep football: Numbers small, vibes high at Oakville-North River

OAKVILLE – As Skyler Davis walked down the line and quizzed players on the Oakville-North River football team on terms and alignments, he featured a smile from ear to ear.

Off a 3-7 record and a 64-0 crossover loss to Concrete, the optimism from the players on the Acorns roster is palpable.

To them, this is a year to go farther in November.

“This was our first year with a true plan in the offseason,” Davis, the head coach for ONR said. “Really excited to see how that can come to fruition.”

Oakville-North River continued fall camp on Thursday primarily working on offense. Here are three takeaways from the near two-hour session at Sanders Field.

Offensive outlook

With starting quarterback Gio Rodas back in the fold, Oakville practiced different looks before the regular season opener versus Ocosta. It experimented with two backs, one back, pistol and even some empty three WR formations.

The Acorns eclipsed 40 points in just three games last season.

“I’m going to get better,” Rodas stated.

First year under combine

North River has officially merged with Oakville for all high school athletics starting this fall. Two players from NR are on the roster, both on the offensive line.

One of them is a returner in Evan Schlesser and the other is a newcomer, Richie Brock. It makes up a junior, sophomore and another sophomore in Joe Charles to protect Rodas.

“That should be our three-person offensive line,” Davis said.

Daniel Rodas to be all over the field

One of the best receivers in the area is back for the Acorns. Rodas – Gio’s brother – put up over 1,200 yards in 8-man and 11 touchdowns on 62 catches. Defensively, he snared five interceptions.

Davis stated he will be one of four guys that could see some carries out of the backfield while remaining his brother’s favorite target.

“I know I'm fast, but I can be faster,” Daniel said. “Eight-man, you get open, you’re gone. You get a crisp route, you do it right, touchdown.”