Poutier Matches Up Well In Conejo Valley Classic

When it comes to the quarterback position in the Marmonte League, there's no shortage of talent.

And while Gerard Poutier isn't as well known as some of his more high-profile counterparts, the Agoura High senior is a capable signal caller.  

Poutier proved as much time and time again last season for the Chargers, and over the course of the summer he's been able to pick up right where he left off. Never was that more evident than on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning during the Conejo Valley 7-on-7 passing tournament.  

"Poutier is a heady little player, a true leader, he did a real good job out there,'' said Thousand Oaks coach Mike Leibin, whose Lancers defeated Agoura and followed up that effort with a victory over Westlake to win the tournament title.  

The Chargers opened up play in the tournament against Quartz Hill, from the Antelope Valley. Difficult games against Buena and Simi Valley followed, but that didn't prevent Poutier and the Chargers from advancing to the winner's bracket.  

Unfortunately, Agoura ended up running into a tough Thousand Oaks team that featured Avondre Bollar, one of the league's premier passers, who looked every bit the part against the Chargers' defense.

They had no answer for the senior.  Seemingly every top quarterback around was in attendance at the tournament. Westlake's Nick Isham played well, as did Newbury Park's Jake Geringer. Also, Trevor Gretzky, son of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, from Oaks Christian.

Nevertheless, Poutier held his own against the best of the best.

"Gerard is a tough kid who loves a challenge. He doesn't back down, never has, never will,'' Agoura coach Charlie Wegher said. "He's hitting his stride.''  

The fact that Poutier is playing well for Agoura shouldn't come as a major surprise considering his statistics as a junior. He completed more than 50 percent of his passes for 1,341 yards and eight touchdowns. Poutier also wasn't afraid to tuck the ball and take off running when the opportunity presented itself. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns.  

"Everything we do goes through Gerard,'' Wegher said. "He was a big part of what we did well last season and we expect the same from him this year.''

Poutier won't draw many comparisons to quarterbacks like Bollar, Isham, Geringer or Gretzky, all of whom are being heavily recruited by Division I programs and will be playing college ball.  

Then again, maybe it doesn't matter.  

"We're not going to have a ton of scouts out at our practices looking at Gerard. And that's fine,'' Wegher said. "People who know and see him play understand what he can do and respect his talents. We wouldn't trade him for anyone.''