Corley's Game Notes

Miracle in Vidor shocks Dogs 28-24

          After a week long prediction of Nederland squashing Vidor, the Pirates showed up Friday night to win a war. What happened to the Nederland team that hung in there with 4A powerhouse teams La Marque and Waller? What happened to the Nederland team that pummeled Forest Brook two weeks ago? The Nederland squad that showed up in Vidor was in a constant state of confusion and disarray. Even after recovering from a rough start, Nederland was still unable to prevail in a crazy finish.

          Vidor opened the flood gates immediately by scoring on their first drive making the score 7-0. Nederland was able to answer the call and at the half the score was tied up at 14. From this point forward, Nederland looked much more solid than in the first half. Moshier was able to connect with Mosley to gain its first lead in the game at 21-14. Nederland was able to hold off Vidor from scoring and increased its lead by 10 making it 24-14 late in the game.

          As if the Bulldogs were replaced by a middle school team, they allowed a miracle to happen in Vidor. Vidor, with 1:32 remaining connected on a 51-yard bomb to close the gap to only 3 points. An onside kick should have been the obvious for Nederland, but one of the premier 22-4a teams were still dazed from the long touchdown and failed to cover the onside kick, giving the ball back to Vidor a team with the attitude of 'Win, or Die Trying.' Vidor somehow managed to come away with a miracle last minute drive and scored to take the lead 28-14. Nederland had to regain composure at this point, and it seemed as if that happened. After a celebration penalty against Vidor and an impressive return, Moshier was able to connect to Theriot to get down to the Vidor 2-yard line and call a timeout with 4 seconds remaining. So with maybe only play left at the 2, who do you give the ball to? Its no secret who Nederland was giving it to. Mosley took the ball from Moshier and tried to dive over the pile, but apparently came up short, however it took a while for the officials to signal anything and time ran out on Nederland with one timeout still in Coach Neumann's pocket.

          As shocking as this loss was for Nederland and the rest of 22-4a, its not time to panic....yet. Upsets happen to the best of teams on all levels. This loss proves that Vidor is a much better squad than anyone projected going into the season. Nederland will have to improve defense and Neumann's plan of keeping Mosley from going both ways might have hurt the 'Dogs. For Nederland to be the team that everyone predicted, they will have to step up on defense, and as much as Nederland fans might hate to hear it, they will have to broaden their offense further than handing the ball off to Mosley. Teams will put 9 guys in the box if they know Nederland has no passing threat. Nederland hosts its homecoming this Friday night against Central in a must win game.

Brandon Corley