Vitals:

    
     The Longview Lobos ran the table in district 12-5A last season, and are favored to do so again this year.  This is a program known for producing quality talent each year and is definitely one of the premier programs in all of East Texas regardless of classification.

    Longview went 9-3 in 2006, and advanced to the area round of the playoffs before falling 24-21 in a close game against a strong Garland team.  The 2006 roster featured a near equal balance of seniors and juniors.  The Lobos fielded an inexperienced offense last year, and the defense carried the team for large stretches.  Most of the Lobos’ experience returns on offense this year, but the defense shouldn’t miss a beat.

     Senior fullback Mark Johnson returns to lead the backfield.  Johnson is a very good player in the mold of what’s becoming the typical Longview fullback.  Johnson’s picked up right where Chris Ivory left off after the 2005 season.  He is a bull of a runner, and also catches well.  Senior Jazmon Moon, last season’s running back, will feature on defense as an LB-SS type this season.  Senior Johnny Garrett (5’9 190) is one of the players the Lobos will look to at running back.  Senior Damion Lewis (5’10 180) takes over at QB after backing up a senior last year.  Senior receiver Travrus Brown (5’10) is a proven player out wide for the Lobos.  Longview has several returning letters at receiver.  Senior OL Blake Bledsoe is the most experienced returning player up front.  Junior OL Chris Knighton is a promising young player.  Overall, the Lobo offense looks to be in good shape going into this season.  The depth and talent at the skill spots will make Longview a challenge to contain.

     Senior DB Cody Morrow is one of the best returning players on the defense.  Senior LB Dacorris Ford (6’1 200) has switched spots after playing DL last season.  Senior corner Skyler McCray adds more varsity experience to the defense.  Senior DB Jon Writt is another returning starter.   The defensive line will feature new starters, but several of the players vying for playing time lettered last season.  Senior DL Roderick Anderson is one who will plug the middle.  Senior Markeith Woolridge will bring speed off the edge at DE.  This defense has a chance to be very good if new starters step up and players who’ve changed positions settle into their roles.  The talent is strong despite the losses of players like Chris Lacy, Sherman Rosborough and Antajuan Guinn.  The Lobos also have the luxury of returning senior kicker Zack Decker.

     This Lobo team has strong senior influence because so many of them played as juniors last year.  The only really pressing question on offense appears to be whether or not Lewis will settle in well at QB as the main man.  Lewis gained some varsity experience last year, so he looks ready to step into the role.  The transition will be made easier by the talent Longview has at the skill positions on offense this year.  Longview is favored to win their district again, and also be a player in the Region 2 playoffs.

The Bottom Line:

2007 Schedule

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Forecast:

Experienced and talented Offense,
Strong senior influence

Inexperienced in spots on D

Battle for 12-5A title,
Contend in Region 2

Top Players: