Vitals:

    
     They say there’s something in the water out in the Piney Woods, and Lufkin’s football program has done nothing to quell the speculation with the talent they churn out on an annual basis.  Lufkin’s emerged as one of the premier recruiting pipelines in Texas and the United States.  The Panthers had one of the most talented and experienced teams in the state last year, but were on the wrong end of what has to be one of the most shocking playoff results in the last 20 years against Round Rock in the area finals.  Lufkin finished 11-1 but the expectations were much higher.  That’s what happens when a program wins state, and then advances to three state semi-finals all in a five year period.  The Panthers aren’t as bad off as some might think, despite how loaded the roster was a year ago, and will be out to reclaim their place among the state’s elite in 2007.

    The Panthers reloading project starts at the quarterback position.  Senior Jeremy Nobles (5’11 185) and junior Jeffrey Claybon look set to rotate behind center.  Both are dual-threats.  Jeffrey is the younger brother of Jeremy Claybon, who started the last two years.  Talented junior Tre’Von Lewis (5’11 185) looks like the next good one in the backfield, and could split some carries with senior Will Christopherson.  Lufkin returns two proven talents at WR in senior James Davis (6’2 195) and Eric Johnson (5’10 170).  Both earned all-district recognition last year despite sharing the field with Dez Bryant.  The Panthers have good size on the line.  Senior OL Josh Emshoff (6’4 275) is the top returner.  Senior Robert Inman (6’4 300), senior Jacolby Ashworth (6’4 270) and senior center Will Calhoun (6’3 250) are other returning letters on what should be a very good line.

    The size on the defensive line is just as impressive.  Junior DL JaMarcus McFarland (6’4 280) is one of the top junior prospects in the country.  McFarland, for lack of a better term, is an absolute beast in pads and looked like a man among boys at times even as a sophomore.  His partner up front will be senior DT Montavus Mott (6’4 300).  Senior DE Demarkus Conway (6’0 220) has varsity experience.  Senior DE-LB Terrance Ivey (6’1 230) is a talented player.  At linebacker, Lufkin must replace the talented trio of AJ Penson, Cam Davis and Mandela Roberts.  Senior LB Jordan Johnson is a returning letter.    Lufkin has one of the top defensive back prospects in the state in Darrius Terry.  The Panthers will be very talented in the secondary again.

    Finding a replacement for Jamie Fernandez is a huge challenge.  Fernandez was Mr. Automatic for the Panthers the last three years, and it’s obviously rare to find a talent like that who can almost win the special teams battle single-handedly.  Overall, Lufkin will have another strong team this fall so no one should be losing sleep worrying about what they’ll do after the way last season ended.  Those things can happen in the playoffs.  What jumps out most about Lufkin on paper is their size on both lines.  Normally, Lufkin has players in the 220-240 pound range on both and this year they have a majority of their starters in the 280-300 pound range.  Skill talent never seems to be a problem, so it has to be a little scary for opponents when they see Lufkin’s got size to match their typical speed.  Lufkin is a clear favorite in district and will be very tough to deal with in the playoffs. 

The Bottom Line:

2007 Schedule

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Forecast:

Talented and fast at skill positions,
Amazing DL, Exp. OL
Proven WRs

Inexperienced in spots on D (LB)
Inexperienced QB

Win District title,
Contend in Region 2

Top Players: