Pink Out Night: Special recognition was given to Mary Kendrick (left) who is a 4 year breast cancer survivor and teaches first grade at Timbercreek Elementary, and JoAn Delafosse who is a 5 year breast cancer survivor and teaches Pre-K at Pine Ridge Elementary.
Lions Beat Ozen in Close Game, LIVINGSTON, October 13, 2012 - The Livingston Lions squared off against the Beaumont Ozen Panthers on Friday night in a game that was closer than it should have been, but, a "W" is a "W" and the Lions took care of business. The game had too many points I guess to call it a defensive struggle (Lions 21, Panthers 14), but not enough scoring to call it a shootout, so it was more of a typical football game. However, every football game has its own flavor so their all unique (whatever that means). The Lions drew first blood when Damion Collins took a handoff and dodged tacklers enroute to a 33 yard touchdown run with 9:40 remaining in the first quarter. Late in the second quarter, Chevoski Collins ran in a TD from 30 yards out on a quarterback keeper. Lions 14, Panthers 0. Ozen got things rolling and before the end of the first half managed to throw a TD pass and run one in from 3 yards out. The third quarter and most of the fourth quarter was a defensive struggle, but Chevoski Collins completed a pass to Garrett Green on what appeared to be a busted play. Collins was scrambling in the Lion backfield looking for an open receiver he eluded 3 tacklers only to have a 4th tackler pulling him down. Just before Collins was brought down he launched a pass from the Lion 49 yard line and hit Green at around the 30. Green took in the pass and ran it in for a Lion touchdown. Lions 21, Panthers 14. It's beautiful to watch a play that's executed to perfection, but (in my opinion) it's funnest to watch a quarterback (or another player) make something out of nothing on a busted play. That's what makes games the most memorable. But wait there's more! The Lions were nursing their seven point lead late in the 4th with Ozen driving. Here's where our play of the week comes in... Ozen was moving the ball with a little over 3 minutes left threatening to tie the game, the Ozen QB dropped back to pass, but Miguel Rodriguez came charging through the line like a raging bull and flushed out the Ozen QB right into the arms of a waiting Marquise Thomas. The Ozen QB was desparate and managed to launch a pass before he went down, an ill advised pass that was picked off by Garrett Green. This defensive play sealed the deal and that's why it's play of the week. The Lions took over and got a couple of first downs and ran out the clock. What a game!
As always in football, there's many unsung heroes in this game. The Lions continue to be an adequate passing team which forces defenses to be honest and allows the Lion running game to control the ball and the clock. Damion Collins had some excellent runs in this game, as did Marquise Thomas. As always, Chevoski Collins was a hilight reel all by himself. Defensively, the Lions were good. DiOndre "Mr. Nasty" Jackson was all over the place and laying out some nasty hits. Chevoski Collins made an interception, and the defense did it's job. Check out the hilight reel and that will clear up any confusion :D
Next week the Lions will be traveling to Lumberton. So make plans, bring your family for a night of thrills, chills, and good clean (but cheap) fun!
Willie P. Openshaw, Editor
The Lion Trainer: Head Coach Randy Rowe holds up his hungry Lions before the start of the show.
Damion Collins took a hand off and...
...broke through for a 33 yard TD run for the first score of the game.
Quarterback Chevoski Collins squeeked into the endzone just inside the pylon for the Lions second TD.
Lion defenders dogpile an Ozen ball carrier.
In the second half, and inadvertent whistle (sounded like it came from the audience) created much confusion. The refs had to sort things out and ultimately bring the ball back to the original line of scrimmage and replay the down. The whole process took around 20 minutes.
Jacoby Jones (no. 1) made several long runs on the Lion defense (just like last year).
Chevoski Collins carries the ball on quarterback keeper.
Quarterback Tyler Napier took over at quarterback when Chevoski left the game due to cramps.
Marquise Thomas picked up hard earned yards for the Lions.
Collins found Garrett Green open on what appeared to be a busted play. Green made the catch...
...Green took it all the way in what proved to be the deciding score.
With the Lions up by just 7 points and a little over 4 minutes left in the game, the Panthers threatened to make a game of it.
After the QB was flushed out by Miguel Rodriguez, Marquise Thomas grabbed hold and was pulling the Ozen QB down as the QB launched an ill advised pass. The pass was picked off by Garrett Green and sealed the win for the Lions.
Head Coach Randy Rowe spoke to his men at the conclusion of the game.
Tough Lion: Miguel Rodriguez always plays with passion and is a nuisance on defense.
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