When the Lufkin Panthers take on The Woodlands Highlanders, it seems only the dates change. In each of the past five years, the teams have played for the district title.
So it only seemed appropriate that when the Highlanders visit the Panthers tonight, the district title will once again be on the line.
Andy Adams/The Lufkin Daily News |
Lufkin running back Glenn Hunt runs in for a 12-yard touchdown during action Saturday at Woodforest Bank Stadium. The Panthers host The Woodlands Highlanders tonight at 7:30.
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"Every year when we play them, it's for the district title," Lufkin head coach John Outlaw said. "It's no different this year. Whoever comes to play is going to be the team that walks away with the district title."
The Panthers are hoping that history repeats itself tonight. Lufkin has been on the winning side in each of the past five seasons, including a 15-13 win in The Woodlands last year.
Those five district titles are part of Lufkin's run of six straight district championships. Lufkin also won the district title in 2003 in the last year of the old East Texas district while competing against John Tyler, Tyler Lee and Longview.
"I really didn't even know how many in a row we had because I'm not a numbers guy," Outlaw said. "That really doesn't matter (tonight). I know it's important to our kids to keep the streak of district titles alive and they'll have to earn it if they want to get another one."
Lufkin's task won't be an easy one against a Highlander team that enters tonight's game with an 8-0 ranking and a No. 3 ranking in The Associated Press poll. The Woodlands is also ranked 10th nationally in the USA Today poll and 15th by espn.com.
In addition to those rankings, The Woodlands has a win over defending state champion Katy, a team that was No. 1 in the state at the time.
"They have a good team and so do we," Outlaw said. "They've got playmakers and we've got playmakers too. It ought to be a great high school football game."
The Highlanders are led by junior standout running back Daniel Lasco, who has rushed for 1,220 yards and 14 touchdowns on 148 carries this season.
Last season Lufkin held Lasco to 56 yards on 18 carries. He also caught a 31-yard touchdown pass late in the game.
"We've got to try to do the same thing we did last year in getting to him early and keeping him frustrated," Outlaw said. "If he gets some room, he can fly. There's no question he's a dangerous player."
While Lasco is the top threat, the Highlanders' defense is even more dangerous due to the passing of Trent Eckel, who leads 14-5A in passing. He has thrown for 1,403 yards and 12 touchdowns with only four interceptions on 75-of-124 passing.
Randy Knust is his leading receiver with 540 yards and six touchdowns on 21 catches. Other threats are Brett Felton (14 receptions, 317 yards, 2 TDs) and Jonathan Wilcher (26 catches, 289 yards, 4 TDs).
"All I heard from them all spring and summer is how they don't have a quarterback," Outlaw said. "And now he's the leading passer in the district. He isn't going to run much but he's more effective in passing than what they've had. They're the most versatile team we've played."
The Woodlands also has a strong defense that is led by linebacker Robert Bouthilet, the team's leading tackler.
The Highlanders have allowed 14.5 points per game this season.
"They're going to blitz and they're not afraid to let their cornerbacks go one-on-one," Outlaw said. "They were giving up some points earlier this year, but they've really gotten better."
Kickoff for tonight's game at Abe Martin Stadium is slated for 7:30.
