timeout!

The defense should be really good. I know the secondary had some lapses last year. But I like the potential of that unit. I would like the defense more, if they can figure out a way to play Alexander and Zion at the same time. Skill positions has more than enough to get it done, as long as Green puts them in a position to do so. Unfortunately, I feel like we are a year behind. Which is a bit disappointing when you think about how much talent this group has. I would feel a bit more confident, had we been able to squeeze out a few playoff games the last two years. That's what drives up and coming teams forward. You take that playoff experience from the previous year to help set up the next. I can see us getting back into the playoffs this year. Just wish we could've done last year, and looked to build on that this year. I agree about Johnson at Qb. Kid has a ton of potential, but very limited varsity experience. He'll have to spend a portion of the year getting his feet wet as the starter. Wish he could've taken the majority of those lumps last year. I could be wrong about this one way or another. But I think this year is the year we play Longview close. I won't go as far as to say win. Quick and Green have done nothing to indicate they have any idea on how to beat Longview. I think a close game could give the kids confidence moving forward.

Former Lufkin and University of Houston OL spent time in Jets/Redskins camp. I don't believe he ever made the active roster. And former Lufkin and UTEP DL spent time in Seattle camp. https://www.lufkinisd.org/2023/10/18/lhs-alumni-former-nfl-player-speaks-to-lms-staff-and-students-on-believing-in-your-dreams/ Fun fact some of you may know or have forgotten. Former KC Chiefs return man Dante "The Human Joystick" Hall was born here in Lufkin. And attended school here up through elementary, before moving to Houston area.

Unfortunately there are still false narratives about the players here. Of course we have few knuckle heads. But that goes for most programs. I know a lot of the players that come up here. The vast majority have been high quality kids under Quick. Menefee, Kedren, Zion, are all great kids. Along with many others that played this year. Bug Thompson, Breylan Garcia, Big Carl, Jaylon Polk were also great kids. Those guys handled their business in and outside the room. It's one of the things that is so frustrating to watch. We have had some of the most coachable kids you could ask for. Yet we have little to show for it.

I'm old enough to remember when Lufkin dreaded the idea of being in a Beaumont district. Being in thrown into a Dallas district really changes your perspective on things. Does Port Author have a new stadium? I remember them charges us money for that busted up parking lot last time we played there. Had to be around 05 or 06 back when Dez was playing. Do look forward to playing them next season. Not on Longview level, but they have a good program going right now. Could be a decent rival the next couple of years. Does Westbrook have anything coming back? I remember playing a classic at ABE against them a while back. Thing both teams put up close to 70 points. lol

This was good season for them. Considering what all they lost from last year. One BIG issue is adjusting to the play of those DFW area teams come playoffs. They play aggressive and apply pressure most of the game. You have to have solid guard play when you play them. Thats what done us in against Red Oak last year, and again this year. Tonight was a winnable game. Missed free throws and turnovers killed us. Along with inability to slow down their guards. Plus AB had an off night shooting. Crandall didn't allow him anything tonight. McManus did all he could with front loading the team with a hard schedule. I think they came in more prepared this year than last, because of it. But still not enough to get over the hump. Lufkin only losses a couple of seniors(Blake and Harrell)so everyone else will be back. Hopefully the experience will help next year. Also want to give a shout out to Parks. He really took a step forward this year. He needs to continue be aggressive.

Lufkin has to hit free throws. Turnovers not helping.

Bingo! I agree about the talent on defense. But I feel like we are a year behind. I think last year or the one before, should've been the breakthrough year for a few playoff wins. That experience from the extra games help carry over to the next year. You rarely see program go from a 3 year playoff drought to a run the first year back. Those things usually have a progression to them. Teams chip away at it, until they finally break through. I don't see Lufkin catching fire all of the sudden with the same staff and philosophies. The wild cards are Johnson at Qb and the O-line. Johnson could be special if he everything lines up for him this year.

Think UIL has already proved that. The last two realignments. We wouldn't be in this position if they did.

Well that won't be an issue. 😂 Seriously, does anyone know what the time table is for a decision?

Does that mean members of 9-5A would have to vote to allow us in?

Jerrin Thompson will be transferring to Auburn next season and begin grad school. While he finishes out his football career. Wish him the best.

Enjoyed watching them square off. It was funny to hear them mention Lufkin as being a great football program. They did mention Dez and Jorvorskie Lane, and I think one other former player. I think Polk has done enough to get a look in the NFL. I hope Jerrin gets an opportunity too.

That should be a good one. Think I'll try to check that one out.

Thanks for the update. It's been an uphill battle most of the year. Playing quality programs will only help down the road.

Well said PA. I want to clarify my comment about Lufkin has nothing to offer. It was only directed toward the current state of the football program and not the city itself.

This is pretty much how I see it. I don't know his family situation, other than he was running with the wrong crowd here. He's doing well in and outside of the classroom. No need to comeback here and be around the same people your parents wanted you away from. Plus Lufkin has nothing to offer. It would be different if the football program was on the upswing. Why comeback in the midst of a 3 year playoff drought? And there's no guarantee Green will utilize him correctly.We assume Green will give the kid the ball. But that makes too much sense, so why risk it?

There's a lot of great teams in the country. Including those you named just above. I think it's hard to make a comparison for the entire country. I would take the field vs Desoto if I had too. And thats not taking anything away from how good they are. Definitely the best in TX this year and would hold their own against a lot of programs.

Is Bally Sports the only way to watch the championship games?

I don't think they practice it much, since they rarely implore it. When I played during the coach Walker days. We would go up against varsity and each other versus the press. I could be wrong and they do practice it. But just struggle against it for whatever reason. Lufkin lost a game last year against A&M consolidated because of press issues late. And struggled against several other teams because of it. I do believe the harder competition will have them prepared for it down the road. Also think some of it can be the bump in speed and quickness some teams have. Lufkin usually has an advantage in that department. That gap closes or is at a deficit against the better teams. I would love to see CJ Burse moved up as an extra rotational guy. And Lufkin just go all out on playing small ball offense. Outside of Gavin playing bully ball against smaller players. There is nothing in the post game, and I cringe every time they try to post up down low. The guards usually ignore it unless Brown has been motioned to the box. Just not much there this year.

Does anyone know the back story on Summer Creek? Don't I have ever hear much about them. The others are all blue bloods.

Lufkin has a decent team this year. But they do have some deficiencies that didn't have last year. No inside presence on offense and defense has been an issue. Brown can mix up down low, but is mostly a perimeter player. We also miss having a defensive stopper like Moody to guard the other teams best player. Breaking the press has been an issue for Lufkin the paste few years. Lufkin also hardly uses it themselves. Not sure if it's just coach Macs philosophy or we just haven't had the pieces to utilize it. Most of the better teams will use it. I agree about one or two of the JV gives getting moved up. There is one I. think would give the team a boost immediately. Still plenty of time to improve.

And the program has no direction. Hasn't had any in a while now. It just simply exists and continues down the same path every year. I want to believe things will be better next year. And I can see us being solid on defense. I just feel the end result will be the same.

I forgot all about the Aledo vs Forney game. Watched the highlights of that game..Aledo looks explosive and physical as ever. Lufkin is a long way from being on that level. I like Aledo Qb. Looks like he as some size to him and can move.

Have to agree with this. Lufkin has done nothing the years we have been in 4A/5A. Our last playoff run was in 6A..

And 2nd tier players like Titan Williams.