Longview Lobos (2-1)
vs.
Lufkin Panthers (2-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday
John Outlaw Field at Abe Martin Stadium, Lufkin

Coaches
Longview: John King
Lufkin: Todd Quick

Last week
Longview: def. Marshall, 48-0
Lufkin: def. Nacogdoches, 45-7

Next week
Longview: at Mesquite
Lufkin: at College Station A&M Consolidated

Playmakers
Longview

  • RB Tory White, Sr., 5-9, 175 (44 carries, 301 yards, 1 TD)
  • FS Corey Bartley, Sr., 5-7, 155 (46 tackles, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 4 PBUs, 2 kick blocks, 1 punt block)
  • DE Jalen Porter, Sr., 6-0, 210 (18 tackles, 6 for loss, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery)
  • LB DeMarkus Lathan, Sr., 5-9, 190 (38 tackles)
  • FB Antonius Sanders, Sr., 5-10, 180 (10 carries, 119 yards, 2 TDs)
  • RB Ja'Mycal Hasty, Soph., 5-9, 185 (3 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD; 2 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD)
  • WR Justinn Spady, Sr., 5-9, 155 (5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD)

Lufkin

  • ATH Key'vantanie Coutee, Soph., 5-10, 170 (11 carries, 68 yards; 20 catches, 237 yards, 3 TDs)
  • QB Tyler Stubblefield, Sr., 6-5, 190 (41 of 75, 516 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs; 29 carries, 99 yards, 5 TDs)
  • WR JaBryce Taylor, Sr., 6-2, 185 (17 catches, 239 yards, 1 TD; committed to SMU)
  • RB Kendrick Mapp, Sr., 5-10, 175 (28 carries, 271 yards, 3 TDs)
  • DE Demontrai Lewis, Sr., 6-3, 215
  • DT D'vante Botley, Sr., 6-4, 255
  • WR Jamal Jeffery, Jr.

Just the facts

  • Longview held its last two opponents to 7.0 points per game
  • Lufkin held its last two opponents to 15.5 points per game
  • Lufkin QB Tyler Stubblefield has accounted for nine total TDs
  • Longview RB Tory White averages 100.3 rushing yards per game
  • Both teams have won two games in a row
  • Friday's game is the 73rd meeting between these two teams
  • Lufkin leads the all-time series with Longview 35-33-4
  • Lufkin won nine consecutive matchups vs. Longview form 1999-2007 after the Lobos went 14-3-2 vs. the Panthers from 1980-98
  • The teams have split the last four meetings

 

 

Lufkin QB Tyler Stubblefield. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Lufkin QB Tyler Stubblefield. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Lufkin WR JaBryce Taylor. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Lufkin WR JaBryce Taylor. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Key matchup: Longview's offensive line vs. Lufkin's front four. Longview's offense starts with the running game. The Lobos have leaned on the ground attack even more since losing starting QB Bivins Caraway to a torn ACL in his left knee in the season-opening loss to Coppell. But establishing a consistent running game against a defensive line as tough as Lufkin's won't be easy. Demontrai Lewis is the Panthers' pass rush specialist, and D'vante Botley can stuff the run up the middle with his large frame. That duo also spearheads a group that could give the Lobos a lot of trouble if they try to get their passing game going. Longview threw the ball much better in last week's rout of rival Marshall, but junior Stephon Dunn and sophomore Dezmond Chumley won't have as easy a time throwing on Lufkin. Longview's ability to keep the Panthers' playmakers on the front line off the Lobo backs could dictate the outcome of the game.

 

 

Longview LB DeMarkus Lathan. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Longview LB DeMarkus Lathan. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Longview DB Corey Bartley. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Longview DB Corey Bartley. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Don't be surprised if: This game goes down to the wire. Lufkin's quarterback play has been solid with first-year starter Tyler Stubblefield becoming a threat through the air and on the ground, but Longview's new QBs appeared to make big strides in last week's win against Marshall. Longview's ability to cover Lufkin's fleet of receivers -- Key'vantanie Coutee, JaBryce Taylor, Jamal Jeffery, and others -- could have a huge impact on this game. Lufkin has displayed a balanced offense so far this season, and Longview may have to decide if the passing game or running game is the one to take away and make the Panthers one-dimensional. Easier said than done, huh? But Longview's defense has allowed 7.0 points per game during its two-game turnaround, shutting down Alabama-bound running back Altee Tenpenny and North Little Rock and shutting out Marshall. This game looks like another classic in the making in the Longview-Lufkin rivalry.

 

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