In each of the past five seasons, the matchup between the Lufkin Panthers and The Woodlands Highlanders has decided the district champion.

With those teams standing at the top of the district standings and another matchup a week ahead, that could be the case again this year. But before Lufkin can get to that matchup, the Panthers have plenty of work ahead of them in the form of the College Park Cavaliers in The Woodlands today.

College Park is one game out of first place and has established itself as one of the top teams in 14-5A. That, coupled with close games between Lufkin and College Park, should make for an intriguing matchup today.

"This is a big game to set up another big game," Lufkin head coach John Outlaw said. "We need to come out and play four quarters against College Park because they're a team that can beat you."

College Park comes into today's game with a 4-3 record that could be even more impressive.

The Cavaliers' losses were to Houston Madison in overtime, on a last-second field goal against Cinco Ranch and a 14-0 setback against No. 3 The Woodlands.

Each of College Park's wins have been by at least 18 points.

"There going to come in feeling pretty good about themselves and they should because they've been playing some good football," Outlaw said. "We can't worry about. We have to go in there and play some consistent football. If we play as well as we can play, I'll be happy no matter what the result is."

College Park relies on its power running game to move the ball. The Cavaliers have run for 1,596 yards this season, an average of well over 228 yards per game, while throwing for a total of 495 yards.

"Coach (Richard) Carson has been running the same offense for as long as I can remember and it's always been successful," Outlaw said. "You have to play assignment football on defense. On every play you've got to tackle the quarterback, the running back and the fullback."

Taylor Parsons has missed some time with injuries this season but is expected to play today. He has thrown for 385 yards and five touchdowns and run for 198 yards and four touchdowns.

Tyler Chaumet has also been successful at quarterback this year with 319 rushing yards and four touchdowns and 110 yards and a touchdown passing.

Tailback Aaron Osborne leads the Cavaliers' rushing attack with 546 yards and eight touchdowns.

"Taylor's their trigger man on the option," Outlaw said. "He's experienced and knows the offense. Their tailback (Osborne) is a good runner too."

College Park has used its offense to control games throughout the year but its defense has also been strong.

The Cavaliers have given up just 17 points per game this year. The only games in which they allowed more than 14 points were a 31-25 overtime loss to Houston Madison and a 38-35 loss to Cinco Ranch.

Their best defensive performance came two weeks ago when they held The Woodlands' powerful offense in check in a 14-0 loss.

"They just gave up 14 to The Woodlands and they didn't let (Daniel) Lasco get 200 yards," Outlaw said. "Not many teams have been able to do that this year."

This will also be Lufkin's second trip to play at Woodforest Bank Stadium in The Woodlands. In the first trip there, the Panthers came away with a win over the then undefeated Highlanders last season.

"It's a nice stadium to play at," Outlaw said. "We had some success last year, but that doesn't have a lot to do with what's going to happen (today)."

Kickoff for today's game is set for 2 p.m.

Lufkin Panthers (6-1, 2-0) at College Park Cavaliers (4-3, 1-1)

Woodforest Bank Stadium, The Woodlands, 2 p.m.

Coaches: Lufkin: John Outlaw; College Park: Richard Carson.

Key players: Lufkin: WR Quinn Trimble: Lufkin's leading receiver returned to the field last week and had a touchdown catch. He has 19 receptions for 380 yards and six touchdowns. RB Jamarcus Walker: The focus today may be on College Park's running game, but Lufkin's Walker has been strong throughout the past several weeks. He has 534 yards and six touchdowns on 75 carries. LB James Duirden: With College Park relying on an option attack, Lufkin's linebackers could play a key factor. Duirden leads the team in tackles with 57. DB Carrington Byndom: Even from his safety position, Byndom can play a key role in slowing down College Park's running game. College Park: RB Aaron Osborne: The Cavaliers' tailback is the leading rusher with 546 yards and eight touchdowns on 75 carries. QB Taylor Parsons: College Park's senior signal caller has been slowed by injuries this year but is expected to be ready to play today. He has run for 198 yards and four touchdowns and thrown for 385 yards and five touchdowns. WR Chris Malott: When the Cavaliers put the ball in the air, Malott has been the team's leading receiver with eight receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.

Directions: Take Highway 59 to Exit 242 to I-45. Stay on feeder road to Research Forest/Tamina exit. Take turnaround and follow signs, which lead to Woodforest Bank Stadium.

Last week: Lufkin 36, Conroe 29. College Park 56, New Caney 9.

Next week: Lufkin vs. The Woodlands; College Park vs. Oak Ridge.

Prediction: Lufkin 21, College Park 14.