Pirates want repeat against 'Dogs

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http://www.orangeleader.com/hssports/local_story_270165256.html

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Vidor gets no love from the Orange Leader.

[NedDog]

Yeah, I saw that. 

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Pirates want repeat against ’Dogs

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

VIDOR — One week, the Vidor Pirates had to try to slow down Livingston’s vaunted Wing-T running attack.

This week, on the opposite end of the spectrum, the Pirates (1-2) will try to contain the Nederland Bulldogs’ spread offense in the District 22-4A opener for both squads at Nederland’s Bulldog Stadium.

The Bulldogs (3-0) have gotten off to a flying start under the direction of long-time head coach Larry Neumann. Nederland has defeated the likes of Brenham, Forest Brook and Waller as it prepares to dive into what looks to be a very rugged 22-4A.

“Everyone knew Nederland was going to be young this year, but, heck, Coach Neumann and his staff have the Bulldogs rolling pretty good,†said Vidor head coach Jeff Mathews. “You’re talking about a program that has been in the playoffs 11 straight years. To be able to achieve that type of accomplishment, especially in a district like ours, says a whole lot.â€

The Bulldogs have battled the injury bug but have kept on ticking. Nederland lost starting quarterback Ryan Sampere to an injury late in the game against Brenham. However, sophomore quarterback Kirby Bellow has stepped in and has played well. Bellow has completed 29-of-66 passes for 292 yards and has five touchdowns and three interceptions in his two starts.

Bellow’s favorite target has been 22-4A’s leading receiver Asa Cardenas, who has 14 grabs for 249 yards and four TDs. Tailback Cameron Bass leads the Bulldog ground game with just 89 yards on 24 totes.

“I know it was tough for them to lose Sampere, but watching that kid (Bellow) on film, he’s caused a lot of headaches for their opponents,†said Mathews. “He’s got a tremendous arm and receiver that can go get it.â€

The Pirate defense will definitely get a look at a different kind of offense. They’re going from defending the Livingston run to now trying to slow down the spread.

“It’ll definitely be a new look for our kids,†Mathews said. “We saw a little of it in our scrimmage against West Orange-Stark. Their (Nederland’s) defense will be seeing something different in our Wing-T. It’s going to be new for both teams.â€

The Bulldogs are averaging 251.7 yards of total offense. The Nederland defense, led by all-district pick and University of Texas commit Dravanti Johnson, is allowing only 238.3 yards a contest.

The Pirate defense gave up 272 yards, all of them coming on the ground against the Lions as Vidor fell to undefeated Livingston 22-3 last week.

The Vidor defense has been sound for much of the season thus far, allowing just 210 yards a contest.

Offensively, the Pirates are churning up 246 yards a game, with 212.3 of it coming via the ground attack.

“Defensively, I think the kids have held their own against good teams like St. Pius and Livingston,†Mathews said. “Nederland certainly isn’t going to be easy, they never are. Offensively, we’ve moved the ball well for the most part, we just keep killing ourselves with turnovers and penalties. District is here now and we have to straighten that stuff out.â€

Bruising fullback Theron Reynolds has led the Vidor arsenal with 247 yards on 46 carries. Tailback Derek Worthy has zipped for 143 yards on 19 totes.

The Pirates tripped up the Bulldogs 28-24 at Pirate Stadium in 2006. Nederland leads the all-time series 47-8-1 in a series that dates all the way back to 1940.

After visiting Nederland, the Pirates will return home Oct. 5 to host the 3-0 Lumberton Raiders.

“Our district is going to be crazy all the way because really, I think anybody can beat anybody on any given night,†Mathews said. “Dayton and Central were probably the top choices when the season started. But Nederland just continues to do what they always do — win. Lumberton looks very scary sitting there at 3-0. PN-G got a big win against Silsbee. LC-M will be right in the thick of it and Ozen is much-improved. You’re going to have to be ready to play every time you step on the field, that’s for sure.â€

Wade’s Prediction: Nederland 28, Vidor 16

Pruett’s Prediction: Nederland 35, Vidor 20

Mann’s Prediction: Nederland 34, Vidor 13

Rollinson’s Prediction: Nederland 42, Vidor 17