Texas High School Football 2007 Preview: Lufkin

The Lufkin Panthers were on the wrong end of an upset in the arena finals against Round rock last year. It was one of the most shocking upsets in recent memory as the Lufkin Panthers fielded an 11-1 team with a wealth of talent in the 2006 season. Expectations for the 2006 squad were much higher, and rightfully so, after Lufkin had a five year stretch which saw the Panthers win state, and advance to the state semi finals three times.

The Lufkin Panthers were basically bursting with talent last year, and the departure of that talent left some thinking that this might be a down year for Lufkin. However, the Panthers are in a much better position that some may think that they are. This year the Panthers will employ two different quarterbacks, both of whom are dual threats. Senior Jeremy Nobles and junior Jeffrey Claybon are expected to carry the load behind center this year and will be helped by returning star wide receivers in seniors James Davis and Eric Johnson. Both Johnson and Davis were all-district talents in 2006. The backfield should be a strength as well, as Tre'Von Lewis already has the look of a great tailback and will share carries with senior Will Christopherson.

Lufkin's defensive line has impressive size and should be one of the better lines in the league. Junior JaMarcus McFarland stands in at 6'4, 280 pounds, and will anchor the defensive line. McFarland's impressive size and skill has made him one of the top junior prospects in the nation as he dwarfs just about everyone else on the field. Joining McFarland will be an equally impressive trio of seniors. Montavus Mott, Demarkus Conway, and Terrance Ivey, all of whom measure over six feet and over 200 pounds, will round out what is sure to be an intimidating defensive line. The Panthers will have to replace a talented trio of linebackers, whom the lost, but their strength up front and their talent in their defensive backfield should more than make up for what lapses there may be in the linebacking unit.

Lufkin's disappointing playoff showing last year left a bad taste in their mouth and some worrying that the Panthers will not be up to the challenge this year. That, however, was most likely just an aberration. Lufkin's overwhelming size and strength, coupled with their impressive speed should be more than enough to keep then atop their division, and make them a scary match up for anyone in the playoffs.