The Lions have just one more chance in the 2024 season. If they are to win a game this year, it will be over the Vidor Pirates.
The Pirates have a 3-3 record in 10-4A and a 4-5 mark overall. With a win, they will represent the district as the fourth-place team.
Vidor has operated from the same offense for the past few decades and is one of the best at running the Slot-T. While they are a yard short of 3,200 for the year on the ground, the Pirates have just 206 passing yards on the season. The Lion defense will be concerned about the run, but have to guard against the surprise.
“It isn't their forte and they are probably averaging 25 or 30 yards per game,” Livingston coach Finis Vanover said of the Pirates throwing. “Everybody puts nine people up there and three times a game, (Vidor is) going to release three receivers downfield, because you only have one or two defensive backs. One of them is going to be open, and nine times out of 10, they either overthrow him or catch it and go 50 or 60 yards.
“Teams have even played them with one defensive back and 10 up front. They aren't changing for anybody. It is their only chance to succeed, and they know it. People have either bought in totally or they can get out.”
The offense struggled early in the year, with just 87 points through five contests. However, they have 178 points over the past four games. Another problem has been holding on to the ball.
“They turn it over like crazy and are right next to us at the bottom. They have 11 tumbles this year, and that is not them,” Vanover said. “You are going to kill a running game if you fumble the ball, and we all know that extremely well. They have scored lots of points when they didn't fumble. They are physically tough and sound. Their running backs run with great passion and are hard-nosed. You have to put them on the ground or they don't stop running, all four of them. They have five rushers in the top 20 of the district.”
Quarterback Daigan Venable is the team’s leading rusher with 770 yards and nine touchdowns. But, Landon Jones, Riley Marlow, Skylar Stankovich, Brody Bloss and Marcus Harris will also take turns churning out yardage.
On defense, the team ranks next to last, but has the district’s best numbers against the run on the season. Their numbers are also heavily skewed against the pass, surrendering 774 more yards than any other team in the district. Of course, that defense likely doesn’t get much practice against the pass during the week.
“Vidor is exceedingly good against the run. They’re only giving up 900 yards in district play. Bridge City is the only team that is better than them at it. They are almost identical in what they have given up in rushing and passing (during district play). They have gotten a little bit better.
“It is the same defense we have seen the last three weeks. It is a 5-3 with an extra ‘backer or safety. If they have to, they will bring the other safety down in there to give them a 5-4 look. We've got to handle it and we can't let them cut us down at the line of scrimmage. They are very aggressive defensively and tackle extremely well.”
Livingston will see a scout team running the Slot-T to try simulating the Vidor offense. Vanover said a mix of the junior varsity and varsity players will test the varsity defense throughout the week in the fast paced rushing attack.
“They are a formidable foe to have to play the last game of the year because there is so much preparation and concentration and focus that's required. We can't let them score 55 points like they have been doing the past few weeks. If we fight to the finish, it could be a glorious night. If you don't against this bunch – with their tradition and their style and motivation to get into the playoffs – it won't. To be realistic about it, we have everything to win and not a thing to lose.”
