Quarterback Chevoski Collins opened the show in grand fashion with an 81 yard touchdwon run from scrimmage.
Nederland's Top Ranked Defense Brings Lions Back to Earth, NEDERLAND, October 8, 2011 - The Lions' once perfect record now has a blemish. That little blemish comes courtesy of the Nederland Bulldog defense that managed to contain a usually very potent Lion offense. Things started off positively peachy for the Lions. After the game's opening kickoff, Quarterback Chevoski Collins ran 81 yards on the first play from scrimmage for a touchdown on a quarterback keeper. In all honesty, I thought, "Yesss!...The beginning of another blowout!". Admittedly, I've been a little spoiled by the Lions' winning ways as of late and was expecting the Lions to just lay another opponent to waste with a lopsided score. Alas, a reality check: The 2011 Livingston Lions are not infallible, and the Nederland Bulldogs weren't about to just lay down and let the Lions beat them. The Bulldogs answered after the next kickoff and drove down the field methodically and punch it into the endzone to tie up the score 7 all. For the rest of the first half, the game was a defensive struggle. Neither team scored not a point, so in all fairness to the Lions, the Lion defense was doing its part and the Lion offense was in desperate need of our top ranked running back, Devante Mays (the Bull).
To Make a Long Story Short... In the second half, the Bulldogs scored three more touchdowns and the Lions scored one more touchdown late in the fourth quarter that was only cosmetic. Final score: Bulldogs 28, Lions 14. I did notice one thing that kind of puzzled me; the Lions seem to either just run the ball, and when they do pass, it's a bomb. For much of the game I was wondering why the Lions never (attempt?) short to medium range passes or screen passes. Why is it that almost every time the Lions pass it's because they have to, and it's a bomb (a low percentage pass that's dangerous and can easily be intercepted). When a running team meets an opponent that can stop the run, it seems it would be helpful to throw on first or second down with short and medium range passes that would keep the defense more honest. But make no mistake about it, on the offensive side of the ball, the ability to run effectively should always be the first order of business (after solid blocking that is). But, I'm no football expert, so hey.
Okay, the Lions next game will be at home against the Lumberton Raiders Friday night at 7:30 pm. I'm confident the Lions will rebound from the Nederland loss and be in a very grouchy mood (which is not good for Lumberton). Let's go Lions!
Willie Openshaw, Editor
The Bulldogs didn't panic after the Lions' impressive opening score. In the end, the Dogs were in complete control.
Nederland quarterback manages to get off a pass under intense Lion pressure.
Defensive End Kade Burman closes in on the Nederland QB.
Running Back Marquise Thomas tries to avoid being corraled by a trio of Bulldogs.
The Bulldog top ranked defense was stacked and ready to fight.
Blayne Elster (50) blocks for Running Back, Antonio White.
Running Back, Kyle Neal
Antonio White carries for the Lions.
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