Corley's game notes are his views and opinions of the game only. They are NOT the opinion or view of anyone from NISD or the NISD Athletic Department. If you have a question in reference to any of the game notes please email Corley at corley@bigned.com

Bad Luck Bulldogs Slip in Second Half 21-7

If someone told me that Coach Larry Neumann broke a mirror while walking under a ladder before the game, I would believe it. Still recovering and adjusting, the ‘Dogs had trouble converting red zone opportunities into points. Nederland looked great coming into the game and driving down to the 4-yard line. Even still, the 4 yard line does no good when Ozen’s defense stops you for three plays in a row including an incomplete pass and two backfield tackles totaling –6 yards. The missed field goal on fourth down hurt the initial momentum and Nederland could not recover, despite Butler’s interception on Ozen’s second offensive play of the game. Another missed field goal would follow. However, missed chances weren’t the only contributor to Nederland’s 21-7 loss in front of 6,000 in Baytown Thursday night.

Turnovers as well as very questionable officiating were significant factors in the game. Nederland turned the ball over five times to the Panthers. This factor alone would make it nearly impossible to beat a skilled team such as Ozen. The officiating crew seemed more lost than anyone out there Thursday. The zebra stripes did not help the Bulldogs luck as they kept giving Ozen more and more chances to get on top. But if there is anything I’ve learned while playing football, it’s that you have to be prepared to beat 16 people, not only 11.

Was Nederland’s offense prepared to deal with the speed of the panthers? Signs point to no. The straight ahead running game seemed effective as Mosley usually pressed for at least 5 or more yards when he ran it up the gut. It was only when the offense tried to finesse things by running screens, reverses, and flat patterns that usually ended in huge losses. Finesse plays simply cannot work against a fast team like Ozen.

It’s clear now that everyone is questioning the playoff situation. Ozen will most likely win out putting them into the number one spot. The other two spots can be very confusing as we look at playoff scenarios. The best scenario for Nederland would be to win out, have Ozen win out, and have PN-G beat Central. If that is the case, then there would be no three-way tie and Nederland would be in. If Nederland however gets stuck in a tie with a team that they haven’t played (i.e. Central or Vidor), then a lottery draw is likely. If Nederland gets stuck with a lottery draw, let us hope their luck has improved significantly by then. The Dogs will play Lumberton next week in a must win game.

Brandon Corley