Devonte Mays got generous chunks of the tough yards.
Lions Beat Indians in Wild Shoot Out, PORT NECHES, September 25, 2010 - The Livingston Lions varsity football team went up to Port Neches-Groves on Friday night Sept. 24, 2010 and showed that they have gravel in their gut when they outplayed a formidable PNG team in a packed stadium. Much credit to the PNG Indians football program and their town that fills their stadium and basks in their spiritual ritual of Friday night football. When you go to their stadium, you can feel the passion from every aspect of the event from the players to the band, to the mascot and especially their supporters. Which makes this Lions gut-check game even more significant. Until last night, the Lion defense has virtually shut down any and all comers in this still young 2010 season, and though the Indians ran up 42 points on our defense with a well balanced blend of running and passing, the boys from Livingston rose to the occasion and smacked PNG in the mouth forcing their resolve on PNG as the Indians were powerless to stop the Lions when it counted most.
The Lions lost the opening coin toss and kicked off to PNG. Amazingly, their drive stalled when they went for it on 4th down and the Lion defense held (that time). The Lions took the ball and ran it right down the field when Devon Barnes ripped off a 60 yard run to take it to the PNG 10 that was capped off by a Devonte Mays 10 yard blast up the middle giving the Lions a 7 to 0 lead. From that point on, watching the offenses from both sides was like watching Ali and Frazier trade licks in a battle of heavy weights. This game was a high scoring touchdown extravaganza that featured zero field goals. While this game featured many heroes for the Livingston Lions, Devon Barnes was exceptional playing tenacious defense and bruising running back on offense (see the highlight reel and watch number 28). As usual, the Lions offense also featured the 1 - 2 punch of quarterback Chevoski Collins and Kid Dynamite Antonio White. While the Rowe coached Livingston Lions has always featured a running game for its bread and butter, they also passed when necessary as Collins threw two touchdown passes (one to talented receiver Cassity Land and one to Jacoby Landers) . One reason why the Lion defense was held in check for most of the game is that the Indians had a MASSIVE offensive line keeping their quarterback protected and giving him time to throw the ball. For the Lions, in addition to Collins, Barnes, and White, Devonte Mays was instrumental in the Lions offensive success (see number 24 on the highlight reel). This Lion offense features so many weapons that they must be a nightmare opposing teams to prepare for. If they key on White, then what about Barnes, or Mays, or our receivers (of course all this with the constant threat of a running quarterback who is a threat every time he touches the ball...which is every offensive play)...get the picture? The Lions offensive line is the catalyst that makes EVERYTHING click, and everything possible for the Livingston Lions offense.
By halftime the score was tied at 28 and the shoot out was on. The good news is the Lions scored the first touchdown, and since they were constantly trading punches with PNG, the Indians would tie it up, then the Lions would score their touchdown always coming out on top...Until a fumble. The Lions fumbled the ball around mid-field and PNG recovered, at that moment, the score was tied. The Indians marched down the field and scored a touchdown putting them on top end of the slug fest. As usual, I'm no statistician so I don't have all the numbers, but as the game progressed it got late into the fourth quarter with the game tied at 42 and PNG with the ball. That's when the Lions got the gut check. The Lion defense held when it counted the most. That's what makes this Lion team so special. When it gets down to the last minutes and both teams are scrapping for the win, this Lions team showed they have the moxie, the fortitude, the resolve to deliver. While admittedly myself, and probably the Lion supporters were nervous, this Lions team appeared to never have a doubt. When the defense held, the Indians decided to go for it on 4th and 5, but rather than try for the first down, the quarterback did a quick kick (a punt intended to catch the Lions off guard). The Lions got the ball at around their own 30 (I think), and that's when they imposed their will on PNG. I swear they had a look in their eyes like they never doubted the outcome and it showed in their play. The offensive line pinned their ears back and pushed the PNG defense around like a bully flaunting his meanness. Not just the offensive line either, young quarterback Chevoski Collins was equally aggressive as was the entire offense. Put simply the Lions refused to be denied.
I believe that this Lions team is special. They have the gravel in their gut and the spit in their eye (thank you Johnny Cash) and the unyielding fight in their spirit to deliver when it counts the most. Their toughness is a direct reflection of their head coach's personality. If you haven't come out to watch the Lions, what in the world are you waiting for! Next up, Beaumont Central in Livingston. (Enjoy the pictures below)
Willie Openshaw
Cassity Land crosses the goal line after a pass from quarterback Chevoski Collins.
Indian Sandwich: Travionne Plattenburg (no. 23) and Blake Burman crunch and Indian ball carrier.
Ken Rue separates and Indian receiver from the ball.
Kid Dynamite: Antonio White runs in the open while being pursued by a surplus of Indians.
The Lion defense smothers a PNG ball carrier.
Devon Barnes did it all on this night.
That number 7 again: Ken Rue attempts to block an extra point.
Ryan McClain gets into the Indian backfield.
Another offensive weapon: Devonte Mays carries the ball. Mays had a productive evening.
Chevoski Collins is only in 10th grade but steps up and leads his team.
Collins scampers for a big gain.
Uhhhhh....No.
Pound for pound toughness: Antonio White never seems to go down easy.
I know, I know...but it's a great picture (he did catch the ball for a first down).
More than just offense: Chevoski Collins (14) also plays defense.
Lions come out for the second half.
Defensive back Damion Collins puts a hat on the ball.
Blayne Elster (no. 33) stops a ball carrier.
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