Tyler Lee Red Raiders (0-1)

Vs.

No. 5 Lufkin (1-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Abe Martin Stadium, Lufkin

Coaches
  • Tyler Lee: Darrell Piske
  • Lufkin: Todd Quick

 

Last week
  • Tyler Lee: lost to Keller Fossil Ridge, 48-26
  • Lufkin: defeated Longview, 44-14

 

Next week
  • Tyler Lee: vs. John Tyler, Sept. 12
  • Lufkin: River Ridge (La.) John Curtis, Sept. 13

 

Just the facts
  • After receiving votes in the first Class 5A AP Preseason Poll, Lufkin climbed to No. 5 after a blowout win at home against Longview.
  • Lufkin received one first-place vote in the AP Poll.
  • Tyler Lee snapped a five-game losing streak against Lufkin last season with a 42-30 win at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.
  • Lufkin leads the all-time series with Tyler Lee 37-14-1.
  • Lufkin currently has three college football prospects in receiver KeKe Coutee, receiver Terry Mark and offensive tackle Erik McCoy.
  • Tyler Lee has two players with college football offers; offensive tackle Matthew Week, and Louisiana Tech linebacker commit Brandon Durman.

 

Playmakers

Tyler Lee

  • LB Brandon Durman, Sr., 6-2, 230 (committed to Louisiana Tech)
  • QB Zach Hall, Jr., 5-11, 170 (11 of 17, 221 yards, 3 TDs)
  • RB Tavon Wesley, Jr., 6-1, 190 (19 yards on 11 carries)
  • OL Matthew Weeks, Sr., 6-6, 275
  • OL Justin Willoughby, Sr., 6-3, 285
  • WR/S Isjuwan Barker, Jr., 6-1, 195 (58 yards on 4 catches)
  • S Patrick Udophia, Sr., 5-10, 165 
  • C Bryston Parker, Sr., 6-1, 250
Lufkin
  • WR KeKe Coutee, Sr., 5-10, 165 (60 yards, 5 receptions, 1 TD, 1 Punt Return TD)
  • RB Steven Sowell, Sr. (118 yards, 26 carries, 2 TDs)
  • WR Terry Mark, Sr., 6-1, 190 (46 yards, 4 catches, 1 TD; committed to Houston)
  • QB Trey Cumbie, Sr., 6-2, 200 (15 of 20, 219 yards, 19 rushing yards, 2 passing TDs)
  • OT Erik McCoy, Sr., 6-4, 285
  • S Dre Hooper, Sr., 5-11, 180
  • DE Bronson Massie, Jr., 6-0, 205
  • DB Myster Colloway, Jr.
  • DT Tyrique Spencer, Sr.


Lufkin running back Steven Sowell gives opponents a serious run threat to consider in addition to a prolific passing game. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Lufkin running back Steven Sowell gives opponents a serious run threat to consider in addition to a prolific passing game. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Key matchup:  Lufkin's multi-dimensional offense versus Tyler Lee's defense. The Red Raiders are about to get a major test from a dynamic set of Panthers. Steven Sowell shouldered the load very well for Lufkin last week with two rushing touchdowns and 126 yards on the ground plus 83 yards on screens and dump off passes. If Lee is able to get Sowell in check, KeKe Coutee is one of the most explosive all-around athletes in the region at his receiver spot. If the Red Raiders double team Coutee, Houston commitment and fellow Lufkin receiver Terry Mark should be open for more throws.

Senior quarterback Trey Cumbie shined last week to top it all off.

Not all is lost for Lee, however. Brandon Durman is a fantastic linebacker and there's talent up top in safeties Isjuwan Barker and Patrick Udophia.

Tyler Lee quarterback Zach Hall tries to stay in bounds during the Red Raiders' 48-26 loss to Keller Fossil Ridge on Saturday night in Tyler. (Mike Davis, ETSN.fm)
Tyler Lee quarterback Zach Hall tries to stay in bounds during the Red Raiders' 48-26 loss to Keller Fossil Ridge on Saturday night in Tyler. (Mike Davis, ETSN.fm)
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The Red Raider offense should be formidable as well. Lee quarterback Zach Hall threw for 211 yards in spite of Keller Fossil Ridge exposing a pass protection weakness. The group will have to do a better job defending, however. Lufkin defensive linemen Bronson Massie and Tyrique Spencer did a number to Longview at times last week.

Don't be surprised if: Lufkin copies Keller Fossil Ridge's defensive game plan. Fossil Ridge recorded six sacks last week by stacking the box and blitzing. Lee's running backs struggled to pick up the first defenders to break through the line and Hall had to start moving. With a defensive line like Lufkin's, the Red Raiders have a challenge even before considering the second level players.

Tyler Lee linebacker Brandon Durman. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Tyler Lee linebacker Brandon Durman. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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