Van Wade
The Orange Leader
BEAUMONT —
One thing for sure, the Vidor Pirates can’t be licking their wounds from their 20-13 District 20-4A-opening loss to Nederland last week because they have some tough Ozen Panthers to deal with in Beaumont Friday night at Thomas Stadium.
The Panthers (2-2, 1-0) are coming off a superb 47-27 victory over rival Central to start off 20-4A play with some momentum.
Jordan Ozen has stepped in and has played well at quarterback for the Panthers after the graduation of standout David Green. Ozen has completed 47-of-80 passes for 717 yards and seven touchdowns and has three interceptions.
Ozen’s favorite targets have been running back Jakobi Jones (12-288-1) and receivers Andrew Michael (10-137-2) and Kourtney Williams (7-115-1).
Jones, who rushed for nearly 1,400 yards last year, leads the Panther ground game with 292 yards and a TD on 50 carries.
Vidor outgained Nederland 307-256 despite the loss last week.
Quarterback Montana Quirante leads the attack with his 517 yards on the ground and nine TDs on 59 carries. He has completed 11-of-23 passes for 175 yards and three interceptions.
Fullback Justin Moore has 386 yards and six TDs on 43 carries and tailback Thomas Novak has 286 yards and a TD on 40 totes.
The Pirates lead 20-4A in total defense, allowing 163 yards a game.
Vidor will play host to Lumberton next week while the Panthers take a long road trip to face Livingston.
