Method to the madness for Newbury Park’s Zach Okun

Don’t let the calm, cool and collected demeanor fool you. Once the whistle blows, it’s as if Zach Okun becomes a different person. A nasty streak is immediately revealed. And his motor does not stop until the final seconds tick off the clock.

Such was the case during Friday night’s season-opening nonleague game as the senior offensive lineman from Newbury Park dominated the player lined up across from him, often times two, from start to finish in a 42-14 victory over visiting Birmingham.

“It’s go time. The fun is about to begin,” said a smiling Okun before the opening kickoff. The pleasant look on his face, however, soon changed. It was replaced with a menacing scowl and a seemingly unmatched desire to win every encounter.

The recipe for success has worked in the past. It was no different this time. Suppose that best explains why the 6-foot-4, 310-pounder is one of the nation’s top players at his position and has had double digit offers before committing to Oregon in March.

He paved the way for multiple rushing touchdowns on Friday, two by Jonas Mello and one each by Blake Faga and Chucky Smith. Run the ball behind Okun and the end result was six points of the Panthers.

In pass protection, Daniel Prieto had ample time to throw touchdowns of 56 yards to Darick Holmes Jr. and 14 yards to Ryan McGee.

“I’m doing my job,” Okun said before heading to the locker room and seemingly leaving his alter ego on the field.

Twitter: @SeanCeglinsky