Penalties and time of possession were the biggest deterrents in Livingston remaining competitive with Little Cypress-Mauriceville Friday near the Louisiana border, as the Bears took a decisive 42-13 win.
The opening kickoff was a sign of things to come, when a 93-yard return made it 7-0 just 14 seconds in.
LC-M (5-2, 2-1) scored on five of six offensive possessions in the first half. Runs of 23 and 10 yards, and passes of 31 and 39 produced points for the home team.
After losing to Huffman Hargrave last week, the Bears woke from hibernation. They are now tied atop the District 9-4A standings with Hargrave and Vidor, two teams they have already played.
The Lion offense had trouble keeping drives alive, finding themselves in many third-and-long situations due to penalties. The defense was on the field far too long, as the Bears put together long drives throughout the game.
Down 35-0, the Lions took a kick return to their 49 yard line with just 11 left in the second quarter. Quarterback Jax Ruiz lofted a pass down the sideline that Zayden Martin grabbed. The senior receiver leaped over the cornerback to catch the pass, then kept his feet in bounds to run the 14 remaining yards.
The 51-yard connection had put Livingston on the board, but the game's outcome was not in question. They trailed 35-6 as the bands took the field.
The Lions’ final score would occur in the final period, when sophomore Bryson Davis took a kickoff at the eight and weaved 92 yards untouched.
Livingston is now 4-2 on the season, with a league mark of 1-1. They host Bridge City at home next week.
