By David Henry Updated 12:10 am, Saturday, October 15, 2011
After a 34-7 win over Ozen on Friday night, the Port Neches-Groves football team has fans believing it can repeat history.
Last year, PN-G dropped the first two district games before winning the next five to make the playoffs.
The win over Ozen is the team’s second in a row since losing the first two district games this season.
“It’s not how you start it is how you finish,” said Port Neches-Groves head coach Brandon Faircloth. “These kids believe in our system and believe in our plan.”
The Indians (4-3, 2-2) took advantage of several Ozen (3-4, 2-2) mistakes in the victory.
Penalties (11 for 55 yards) and turnovers (two interceptions, two lost fumbles) stopped any momentum Ozen could gain offensively.
Ozen outgained PN-G 353-312 but had little to show for it.
“The story of the game was our defense,” Faircloth said. “I’m so proud of them for holding a good offense like Ozen’s to seven points.”
PN-G went into the half with a 14-7 lead but Ozen marched the ball down the field to open the second half, getting inside PN-G’s 30-yard line before a bad snap on fourth down went over quarterback Trey Green and was recovered by Justin Sperl at Ozen’s 45.
PN-G would score two plays later on a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Travis Miller to receiver Jayce Nelson. Nelson, who finished the game with three receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns, made the grab in double coverage.
PN-G stretched the lead to four touchdowns on a 30-yard touchdown run from Chase Bertrand on the first play of the fourth quarter. Bertrand finished the game with 20 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns.
Ozen wasted another big game from running back JaKobi Jones, who carried 27 times for 162 yards and a touchdown.
Ozen quarterback Trey Green went 10 of 21 for 95 yards passing and was intercepted twice, once by Kaleb Clark and once byChase Romero, which was returned 95 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.
“I’m really proud of our secondary for how they’ve improved,” Faircloth said.
PN-G drove with ease on the first drive of the game to go up 7-0 with 9:52 to play in the first quarter after Miller connected with receiver Nelson for a 29-yard touchdown pass.
Ozen found success on the ground at the end of the first half, scoring on a 12-play, 83-yard drive, all running plays, to cut PN-G’s lead in half with 3:19 to play in the first half, capped off by a 13-yard touchdown from Jones.
Ozen has dropped two district games in a row and looks to get on track next week against Livingston on Saturday. PN-G plays LC-M.
“Ozen is a good team and coach (Jeff) Nelson is a good coach,” Faircloth said.
