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| Lion defenders pummel a Jaguar ball carrier. |
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2012 Lions Show Toughness, Maturity in Victory Over Beaumont Central Jaguars, LIVINGSTON, October 27, 2012 - The Livingston Lions played their homecoming game Friday Night (October 26) in the Lion's Den when they beat the always tough, Beaumont Central Jaguars. The victory showed the audience a Lions team that is maturing right before our eyes, and a toughness to get down and dirty with the hardest hitting teams. The victory also came with a heavy price when one of the team's best players, defensive end, Kade Burman suffered a possible season ending ankle injury in the first half.
The Basic Rudown...
In the first quarter, the Lions put together a nice time consuming, ball controlling drive that was capped off by Chevoski Collins when he ran in a TD from 8 yards out on a QB keeper. With 3:05 left in the first quarter, Garrett Green went the distance from around mid-field on a dazzling punt return (Lions 14, Jags 0). Green has been one of the best surprises this season and has made his presence felt in all facets of the game; offense, defense, and special teams. The Jags were threatening to score late in the first half and had the ball at the Lion 12 yard line, but the Lion defense made a stand and held the Jags scoreless in the first half. The defense was all over the place on this night. Kade "the Freak" Burman, DeOndre' "Mr. Nasty" Jackson, Brian Jackson, Miguel Rodriguez, Easton McClain (Younger brother of Ryan "the Train" ), and Anfernee Wilson just to name a few. It seems like the Jags hard hitting style of play brought out the best in the Lion defense. With just 54 seconds remaining in the first half, Mr. Nasty railroaded the Jag quarterback and forced a fumble that was picked up by Brian Jackson, who, in turn, returned the ball 51 yards to the Jag 4 yard line. Chevoski "Touchdown" Collins ran it in on the next play (Lions 21, Jags 0). By now, I was feeling pretty good thinking that the route was one, but alas, the game got interesting in the second half.
Second Half...
In the third quarter the Jags put together a drive and ran in a TD (Lions 21, Jags 7). With 4:49 remaining in the third, the Jags threw a 60 yard bomb for a TD (Lion's 21, Jags 14). Okay, now my euphoria that I previously mentioned was completely evaporated and reality had set in. I was hoping the Lions could hold this thing together and win this. To make matters worse, with 8:40 remaining in the 4th quarter, the Lions botched a punt deep in their own territory that led to another Jag TD pass, but the Jags missed the extra point (Lions 21, Jags 20)...(with a ton of time left on the clock). Now reality was really setting in. It's times like this when either offensively, or defensively, somebody needs to step up for the Lions and make a big play. Prayer's answered; with 4:08 left in the game and the Lions nursing a 1 point lead, Damion Collins took a hand off and blasted right down the middle of the field like he had rocket propulsion (hope I spelled that right). Collins' 40 yard sprint was that big play (Lions 28, Jags 20). The clutch play all but sealed the deal for the Lions. Now all we needed was for the defense to hold one more time (and it did). The Lions got the ball back with little time left and ran out the clock. Final score: Lions 28, Jags 20.
The Lions bent in this game, but didn't break. When the Jaguars changed the momentum and were close to taking over this game, the Lions showed their maturity and toughness and rose when they needed to. They stepped up and swatted the Jags down. I'm getting more and more impressed with the Lions' balance. This year the Lions have showed excellent balance offensively by passing more while still relying mostly on the ground and pound running game. Further, the Lions show overall team balance with good offense, good defense, and the special teams seem to have it together.
Next Week...
If the Lions ever needed hometown support, this is the time. They'll be facing the Vidor Pirates in Vidor. Vidor is allegedly the toughest team in our district. So please come out and support the team. They need you.
Willie P. Openshaw
-PS-
I've always been impressed with Beaumont Central's smash mouth style of football, AND, I've always been ipressed with the Jaguar Band. The Jaguar Band is loud and proud. They're fun to listen to, and guaranteed to entertain! Be sure to see our picture of the week! (Home page).
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