2012 Ozen Panthers Team Preview

[WOSgrad]

[center][img]http://txhshelmetproject.com/TexasHighSchools/B/BeaumontOzen.png[/img][/center]

[center][size=18pt][b][u][i]CLIFTON J. OZEN PANTHERS[/i][/u][/B][/size][/center]
[center][b][size=12pt]2011 Record: 7-6 Overall, 4-3 District (4th Place in District 20-4A)[/center]

[size=12pt]The 2011 season for the Ozen Panthers was one that their fans had been waiting for as Jeff Nelson's Panthers reached the 4A playoffs for the first time since 2005.  Once in the playoffs, Ozen did not disappoint as they bested Barbers Hill in bi-district, 40-36, and upset #3 ranked Brenham, 14-10, before being eliminated by Division II, Region III finalist La Marque, 18-6.  Some have hinted that Ozen will find it hard to duplicate the 2011 accomplishments with the graduation of all-district quarterback David "Trey" Green.  However, Ozen fans know better as Coach Green and the Panthers have plenty of weapons amongst the ten returning starters from the 2011 squad who look to return to the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year. 


[b][u][size=14pt]Coaching Staff[/u][/b]

[size=12pt][b]Head Coach: Jeff Nelson[/b]
Coaching Record:  12-21 overall and with Ozen

[b]Assistant Coaches[/b]: Assistant Coaches/Positions: Ray Metoyer – Asst Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator; Caleb Ceasar – Wide Receivers; Ed Taylor - Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line; Tony Brown –Line backers/Co-Defensive Coordinator; Cedric Johnson – Offensive Line; Earl Walker - Running Backs; John Clayton - Defensive Ends; Freddie Strange – Secondary; Phillip Allen - Kickers 


[b][u][size=14pt]Stadium Information*[/u][/b]

[size=12pt][b]Home Stadium: Carroll A. "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center[/b]
Address: 5250 Bayou Willow Way, Beaumont, Texas 77707
Capacity: 10600
Playing surface: Field turf


[b][u][size=14pt]2011 Results[/u][/b]

[table][tr][td][size=12pt][b][color=black]Opponent[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][b][color=black]Score[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Beaumont West Brook[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7-24[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Port Arthur Memorial[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]8-45[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Houston Sam Houston[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]66-6[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Beaumont Central#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]31-24[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Little Cypress-Mauriceville#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]21-13[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Vidor#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]14-21[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Port Neches-Groves#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7-34[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Livingston#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]29-28[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Nederland#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]41-44[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Lumberton#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]61-20[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Barbers Hill##[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]40-36[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Brenham##[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]14-10[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]La Marque##[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]18-6[/td][/tr]
[/table]
[size=12pt]# - District games
# - Playoff games


[size=14pt][b][u]2012 Offense[/u][/b][/size]

[size=12pt][b]Offense: Spread
Returning starters: 4[/b]

While Trey Green's graduation is a big loss for the Ozen offense, which amassed 365 yards and 26.5 points a game in 2011, you really can't say your destitute when you return the 20-4A District MVP.  The Panthers enjoy that very luxury as senior running back Jakobi Jones (196 carries, 1457 yards, 17 TD rushing in 2011) returns to lead the Ozen offense.  He will be getting the ball from senior quarterback Jordan Ozen (8-16, 96 yards, 1 TD in limited play in 2011).  Helping Jones to carry the load on the ground will be junior Chris James (43 carries, 191 yards, 1 TD in 2011) and senior Xavier Johns (18 carries, 217 yards, 2 TD in 2011).  Seniors Leeland Hamilton (16 catches, 308 yards, 4 TD receiving in 2011) and Andrew Micheal (17 catches, 379 yards, 4 TD in 2011) will lead a Panther receiving corp which will also feature senior Chandler Crawford and junior Ronnie Ceasar.  Junior center Caleb Wright will return from the 2011 squad to anchor the offensive line.  That line will also include senior guards Rudy Lassaint and Latyren Dobbs, as well as senior tackles Paul Brown and Deandre Moore and junior tackle Dmarko Williams.


[size=14pt][b][u]2012 Defense[/u][/b][/size]

[size=12pt][b]Defense: 4-2-5
Returning starters: 6[/b]

The Panther defense, which surrendered 286 yards and 24.9 points in 2011, will return a good bit of experience in both the linebacker corp and secondary, but they will be a bit inexperienced up front.  Vying to join returning senior defensive tackle Chris Redeaux on the defensive line will be senior tackles Louis Johnson, Dante Williams and Emmitt Gilmore, as well as junior defensive ends Myles Mouton and Raymond Ward.  Leading the Panther linebacker corp will be senior Corrie Frank and junior Anthony Sylvester. Returing cornerback Kourtney Williams (2nd team 20-4A all district in 2011) returns along with senior safeties Raleigh Jones and Leroy Jackson and junior safety Tony Brown, who is already getting some attention from D-1 scouts, to anchor the Ozen secondary. 

[size=14pt][b][u]2012 Special Teams[/u][/b][/size]

Senior Blake Norris will be handling the place kicking duties for Ozen in 2012.  Hamilton, who garnered honorable mention all state honors in 2011, will handle the punting duties.  James and Crawford will handle the returns for the Panthers.


[size=14pt][b][u]2012 Key Games[/u][/b][/size]

Ozen will begin their 2012 schedule in traditional form as they face off against West Brook in the first leg of the Beaumont Bowl series to kick off the season.  To finish off pre-district play, the Panthers will venture up to Kincaide Stadium in Dallas on September 15th to face Stephenville as part of the Lone Star Classic.  The Panthers will begin 20-4A play against cross-town rival Beaumont Central on September 28 (Central leads the series 6-5) and will finish with Lumberton at home on November 9th.


[size=14pt][b][u]Full 2012 Schedule[/u][/b][/size]

[table][tr][td][size=12pt][color=black][b]Date[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][b][color=black]Opponent[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][b][color=black]Time[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Aug. 31[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]at Beaumont West Brook[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:00 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Sept. 8[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]Port Arthur Memorial[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:00 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Sept. 15[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]Stephenville (Kincaide)[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:00 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Sept. 21[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]OPEN[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Sept. 28[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]at Beaumont Central#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:30 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Oct. 5[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]Vidor#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:30 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Oct. 12[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]at Livingston#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:30 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Oct. 20[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]Little Cypress-Mauriceville#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]1:00 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Oct. 26[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]at Nederland#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:30 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Nov. 2[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]at Port Neches-Groves#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:30 p.m.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][size=12pt][color=black]Nov. 9[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]Lumberton#[/td][td]    [/td][td][size=12pt][color=black]7:30 p.m.[/td][/tr][/table]
[size=12pt]#-District Games

* Source:  Texas Stadium Database: http://www.texasbob.com/stadium/stadium.php?id=1288
Helmets Courtesy of: http://www.txhshelmetproject.com/

[Trocket]

Could be a long seaon for OZEN with this schedule.

[mytwocents-28]

Yes it could be with both mid county games being away.

[uandme08]

[quote name="Trocket" post="1233589" timestamp="1341174612"]
Could be a long seaon for OZEN with this schedule.
[/quote]

Won't be any longer than our 20-4A opponents. Trust OZEN will be fine.  ;D

[BMTSoulja1]

Ozen will be fine.  8)

[Trocket]

If they are 4-2 or 3-3 after their first 6 games, or 3-0 or 2-1 after their first 3 district games, then I believe they will be fine and make the playoffs again.

[mytwocents-28]

[quote name="Trocket" post="1233868" timestamp="1341437705"]
If they are 4-2 or 3-3 after their first 6 games, or 3-0 or 2-1 after their first 3 district games, then I believe they will be fine and make the playoffs again.
[/quote]
I agree with this guy.

[Lions#80]

I agree too, Ozen will be a good team but there will be a dog fight for 3rd and 4th place.

[panther blue]

Progress each week, and get more experience, avoid injuries and with  a little luck anything can happen. go panthers !!

[BMTSoulja1]

Untill proven otherwise, Ozen has the best athletes by far in this district returning (Tony Brown to name one) and the best RB (explosive great vision) in the district.  If the Ozen kid is even medeocre at best, Ozen will be a handfull for anyone.  They also have some good returners with good playoff experience from last year. 

[cooligan]

Agreed. Too many great athletes and too much speed. I have Ozen taking 3rd in district and possibly 2nd. Mr excitement will burn many this year.

[BMTSoulja1]

It all hinges on if they can prove they can consistantly pass the ball.  They'll have a recieving corps, but can the QB get it out of there.  You don't want teams loading the box to stop Jones and not respecting the passing game.

[Jackthehammer]

With all due respect what year has Ozen not had the best atheletes in district???????

[cooligan]

Ozen would be smart to work on the 10 yd and under passes. Mostly quick passes, slants, screens etc. Than bust a long one. You want to get it in the athletes hands and let the speedster perform. I would welcome any team that loaded the box to stop the run.  Cause your gonna get burnt on a quick pass. 

[BMTSoulja1]

[quote name="Jackthehammer" post="1234142" timestamp="1341594699"]
With all due respect what year has Ozen not had the best atheletes in district???????
[/quote]They're normally #2 behind Central.

[BMTSoulja1]

[quote name="85' HUSKER" post="1234145" timestamp="1341595286"]
Ozen would be smart to work on the 10 yd and under passes. Mostly quick passes, slants, screens etc. Than bust a long one. You want to get it in the athletes hands and let the speedster perform. I would welcome any team that loaded the box to stop the run.  Cause your gonna get burnt on a quick pass.
[/quote]The key to that would be blocking.  You need a good blocking scheme from the recievers but more importantly, the o-linemen.  I don't know if Ozen will have a young or seasoned o-line or not.  Maybe someone has this information.

[Lions#80]

;D ;D ;D ;D

[Jackthehammer]

LOL Soulja I smell some home cooking in that statement!!!!!!!!!

[BMTSoulja1]

[quote name="Jackthehammer" post="1234165" timestamp="1341598893"]
LOL Soulja I smell some home cooking in that statement!!!!!!!!!
[/quote];D

[mytwocents-28]

See before, IMO, coaching was the issue at Ozen. They always had the speed and athletes and talent but there coaching decisions lacked some, what do you call it, knowledge. But last year they blew everyone's mind with how good they got and how far they went into the season. I look for them to blow some minds this year as well but to lose some close ones and make fourth place.

[WOSgrad]

[quote name="BMTSoulja1" post="1234148" timestamp="1341595957"]
[quote author=85' HUSKER link=topic=100782.msg1234145#msg1234145 date=1341595286]
Ozen would be smart to work on the 10 yd and under passes. Mostly quick passes, slants, screens etc. Than bust a long one. You want to get it in the athletes hands and let the speedster perform. I would welcome any team that loaded the box to stop the run.  Cause your gonna get burnt on a quick pass.
[/quote]The key to that would be blocking.  You need a good blocking scheme from the recievers but more importantly, the o-linemen.  I don't know if Ozen will have a young or seasoned o-line or not.  Maybe someone has this information.
[/quote]

Only one of the returning starters is a lineman, but several of them will be juniors and seniors, so they should be OK on the front line.

[BMTSoulja1]

[quote name="mytwocents" post="1234224" timestamp="1341616940"]
See before, IMO, coaching was the issue at Ozen. They always had the speed and athletes and talent but there coaching decisions lacked some, what do you call it, knowledge. But last year they blew everyone's mind with how good they got and how far they went into  the season. I look for them to blow some minds this year as well but to lose some close ones and make fourth place.
[/quote]2 thumbs up for this post!  8)

[BMTSoulja1]

Ok.  Thanks, Grad. 8)

[Bigdog]

Ozen always has the athletes, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee anything. The key to this year's team will be their defense.  If they kept giving up as many points as they did last year, they will still be 3rd or 4th in district. If the defense improves, they will probably be fighting for 2nd.

[badndn]

Trey Green!!!

GONE!

Best playmaker in the district possibly the region has graduated. We will find out just how good coach Nelson is this year, because alot of what got them into and through the playoffs last year was not coached...it was the talents of Mr. Green when things broke down.