Lufkin's Offense

[Favpack]

With ko closing in - much has been discussed here this week about question ??'s regarding Lufkin's O.

The reality of losing 8 quality starters has definitely sunk in, but things are coming around. Seems the primary difficulty is the fact there is no true leader right now on O for the first time in about a decade.

One wr's and two valuable O linemen have been pretty dinged up and have not really practiced at all. The projected starters have all practiced together 3 days in a row for the first time.

The O will look helter skelter until district - that is a given. A pre-district loss is not inconceivable, starting district 1-2 would be tough to swallow, but not shocking. The running game will be hit and miss all year. The potential of seeing the Freshman rb is slim.

However, Lufkin's kicking game could easily be the best in the state this year and Jaime Fernandez will pick his college next year. 100% of ko's this year will likely be out of the back of the ez. 50 yard fg's will be easily in distance. He will also average 45+ yards a punt with excellent hang time. Every ko and punt to Lufkin could be 6 in a heartbeat with Hewitt and Shankle.

The Lufkin D will step up -- and be as good as last year, maybe better.

Wouldn't surprise me to see some 10-7, 17-14 scores, certainly early on that may be the norm.

Is Lufkin over-rated? I don't think so, but the lack of senior leadership on O has certainly become a concern that maybe wasn't looked at closely enough.

Coach O is nervous and Panther Nation is nervous - complacency will not be an issue this year - and I see that as a good thing.

[PurpleNation]

If there was one thing I learned when I was a Panther it was to never quite, and its not over until you say its over. The Lufkin coaching staff is among the best in the state not just at developing athletes but young men who will succede in life far after football has passed them up. Lufkin has seen darker days then this, but there is someting special about this group mark my words. This is the most dangerouse offense since 2001. RB Clifton Kibble is a football player yes it is clear to see that running behind 5 first timers can be frustrating but give it time I have watched him mature into a nice RB in the past 2 years. Lufkin's offense is a sleeper with the potential to score from anywere on the field. Lufkin fan's fridaynight you will see what I am saying Lufkin will win and they will do it by 30. Lufkin nites trust me when I say Clifton is the RB for the team and quit bashing him and saying we need the freshmen. Let the kid do his thing which ever 11 step out there fridaynight they will be the best 11 we have on offense or defense.

Fridays Notabels on Offense

Dez Bryant WR ( Size and best hands on team)
EJ Shankle WR ( Speed kills and he has lots of it)
Ralph Thomas WR (The most versitil of the group)
Thadius Gordon WR (The Sleeper)
Marcus Rains WR (Great Hands will be no suprises)
Jeremy Claybon QB (Sweet Southpaw amazing potential)
Clifton Kibble RB (Hard nose quick footed runner potential game breaker)

Defense

THE WHOLE PURPLE SWARM
Roberts
Hewitt
Penson
Hurts
Willis

enough said its a Lufkin Thang you wouldnt understand

[PackAttack2005]

Favpack, some of your post is overstated and exaggerated. Simply put, the Lufkin D and special teams will be good, while the Lufkin offense has lots of inexperienced talent that needs some varsity game experience.

They haven't even played their first game as yet, wait until we play a real game to make negative assumptions. What Coach Outlaw said was that the offense was not as good now as they will be later in the season.

That's it.

[pack98]

Well with 5 new linemen it will be a tuff preseason with them learning and things but like they say D wins championships and Lufkin has a good D and can be Great and with Hewett taking his side on lockdown that is one less thing you have to worry about. the scores may be low but we will win and get better before District. And if we do loose then it is not the end of the world no one remembers tyler lee 3 losses all they remember is the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP so with that said.

GO PANTHERS GET IKE.

The Lufkin Linemen must play well and great together if they do then this team can go a long,long way so goes the linemen so goes the Panthers. Like coach Jhon Maddes says Football games are won in the Trenches and lost down there we control the trenches on the O and D then we win if not then it will be a long day.

[KLH75287]

Back in the days of Ed Cauley, LP didn't want to start the season...EVER !!!
This team and coaching staff will do what it takes to get better each week. LP fans have been spoiled these last several years knowing that we were a TRUE contender right out of the gate.

This season could be a test of your PURPLE heart. I predict by week 4, most nay sayers will be saying " I told you The Pack would get it done".

GO PACK IN '05

[pack0808]

I agree!! I think favpack is seriously underestimating this bunch. LOL at possibly 1-2!! No way!! I will shave my head and paint it purple if so.

[wide-e-wide]

I'll wait until after Friday night to make my official statement.
Better yet...I'll yield my proxy to the distinguished gentlemen from
Lufkin High...I trust that they will answer any questions.

[dragonsdaddy]

now 0808, when did you stop doing the painting thing?

[c-lisle]

1-2 are you kidding me? With the lokes of IKE, Nac, PAM Lufkin should be 3-0. Y'all should consider yourselves lucky Lee backed out of your schedule, they would've been the only decent team you would've had to play.

[Favpack]

I should have brought all of you guys with me to hear Coach O on Tuesday - his words not mine gang - deal with it.

Did I predict LP would go 1-2 -- NO!! Quit reading half my posts and commenting with 1st grade emotions guys. C'mon. Yes, Rclisle, Lufkin's 10 game schedule this year is embarrasingly weak. Pre-district is either unknown or weak, and this could potentially be the weakest district outside of the Valley. Any loss prior to playoffs would be a surprise to me -- but this is the year an upset might happen. Again - I simply say deal with it -- and keep the big pic in mind. I full-well expect this team to be playing deep into December - regardless of how the first few weeks look.

Go read Gary Stallard this morning kids - same words as mine - patience will be a key.

Nobody is slamming Clifton - a great kid that is way undersized but has a huge heart - he will contribute - but he won't gain 150 yards a game and go D1. Pack 0808 is the one calling for the Fresh -- I simply noted that won't happen this year.

Jeremy will be fine - but he will look confused at times - so what - he played JV last year! Yes - as I've stated countless times - he is only throwing to potentially the most dangerous receivers outside of Southlake in Texas - every one of which could be playing college ball in the next 1-2 years. That makes a little difference. But, as I've heard from folks wearing purple and whistles - he needs to be looking downfield and not up at blue sky on his back. The O-line is a massive work in progress.

Geez guys - lighten up and take off your cheerleader skirts - I'm as big a fan as any. The pre-district will look different than last year - this offense will need 3-4 weeks to gel.

Ike will present some challenges tomorrow - LP will be ready - patience will be a virtue however. I don't think LP will win by 30, but I'll come here and pucker up if that happens and it will make my fellow Packsters happy. And I don't want to see Pack painted in purple regardless of the record ;)

[wide-e-wide]

If Lufkin loses to Ike...I will not drink beer for a month. Deal?

[pack0808]

quote from favpack A pre-district loss is not inconceivable, starting district 1-2 would be tough to swallow, but not shocking.


How was i overreacting or how did i not correctly read your post when you said going 1-2 might be possible?? I think that is pretty clear by that statement that you think there is a slight possibility. Easy Clinton i was just going by what you said. ;) First grade emotion?? ok!! I just simply disagreed with you and made a silly statement out of fun. You have a right to your opinion and that is fine but i have never seen 2 scrimmage games more analyzed in my life. Period!! I have never even heard of people trying to predict the season from scrimmage games until this year?? That is including the pros. I just do not get it?? Favpack, i simply disagree with you about the 1-2 statement and the possible 14 point average on offense statement. You might be right but i seriously doubt it?? If you are right i will have no problem admitting it. By the way, almost all coaches down play what their team is going to do and i heard Outlaw say something similar to that in 2002 when Lufkin lost basically there whole team in 2001. I remember hearing comments that you will have to be patient and that this team has long way to go be good. Guess what?? That team was 1 play from winning a state championship going all the way to the state semis losing to slc 33-30.

On the comment about me wanting to put the freshmen kid!! Yes i have made that comment a few times but i was not completely serious. I stated i was jumping the gun because the real games had not started. Let's all watch the panthers tonight and i think we will have a lot better idea on where they are. Rclisle, get off the Lp schedule and quit with the would of should of could of stuff my lord!! I have heard you say that Marshall and now Tyler Lee would beat Lufkin this year. LOL Just like Longview would not have lost for the 9th time in a row to Lufkin if it was not for the fumbles and the broken hand. Would of could of should of weeeeeh weeeh weeeh cry me a river and get the violin out please. LMAO The only thing that is worse then a would of could of should of fan is a fair weather fan. ;) By the way, Lufkin has a long winning streak on Marshall and they have won 2 of the last 3 vs Tyler Lee. Lufkin is not even close to having the weakest schedule in the state whoever said that?? I mean do you guys know the other 5a districts all over and the teams in them. Many very very weak ones out there compared to Lufkin's. 145a is listed as a top 10 district by most. Lufkin is notorious for having one of the toughest schedules in the state so it is actually nice not having to play top 10 teams almost every week. It was nothing Lufkin planned this year. Outlaw always tries to schedule tough opponents for predistrict!! It was out of his hands this year!! By the way, both PA Memorial and Ike were playoff teams last year so it is not like Lufkin is playing teams that were 0-10 and 1-9 last year. :rolleyes:


Let's all sit back and watch what the panthers do tommorrow and then we can all have legit opinions on how this team will do. Tommorrow is when we will find out not a half a scrimmage game that the coach does not gameplan for and 2nd and 3rd stringers play. The starters usually play a few series and that is it. It is crazy to try to get a sense where a team is at from scrimmage games. I cannot wait until tommorrow!!

[c-lisle]

If Lufkin loses to Ike...I will not drink beer for a month. Deal?

So pack0808 will shave his head and paint it purple and wide will quit drinking for a month if LP loses.......Gooooo IKE. LOL JK

[pack0808]

So pack0808 will shave his head and paint it purple and wide will quit drinking for a month if LP loses.......Gooooo IKE. LOL JK


I think me shaving my head and painting it purple is more possible then wide not drinking beer for a month during football season. ;)

[wide-e-wide]

The odds of me not drinking for a month during football season, are a helluva lot better than the odds of Ike beating Lufkin. That being said...my cooler will be full on Saturday. I have a whole day planned. ou vs. tcu for the early game...Texas vs. ULaLa in the middle game...and aggy and clemson for the nightcap...I should be in prime condition by the time Reggie takes the field.

[pack0808]

No hawks this weekend for me because they are not playing but i am excited about the college football season. Doesn't it start tonight?? I think SouthCarolina plays tonight?? It will be interesting to see how Spurrier's new team looks!!

[wide-e-wide]

Oregon and UH play tonight. If that is considered football?
TSRN is not broadcasting the Lp game...So I guess football season
officially starts for me at about 5pm Saturday. Hook 'em...

[pack0808]

That stinks you cannot listen to the LP game!! Oregon is usually a solid football team?? They have won the pac10 several times recently. Didn't they beat Michigan in the final seconds last year or the year before?? Houston's wacky offense is fun to watch and they should be improved. Probably a fun game to watch. Oops this is not a college thread so will save it for there. Peace!!

[Favpack]

Yeah- this has brought out lots of "out there" stunts - givin' up beer and hair - wow!

Obviously I did't state my first post very succinctly - my apologies. I don't think Lufkin will go 1-2 in pre-district. If we were playing TLee, PAM and, say, Katy, that might be a possibility. My intention was simply to point out the O will not look at playoff form tomorrow as they have the past several years.

I was not intending to disrespect anyone by saying LP has a "potentially" weak schedule. Potential and what actually happens could be wildly different. Several teams, including Lufkin, have lots of question marks.

I agree with Pack 0808 and Coach O - the Humble scrimmage was a waste - and reflective of nothing. See you guys tonight at Meet the Pack -- or tomorrow. If you go tonight - you get to try out some moves on the new turf :) -- I may head north to watch SFA vs. Henderson State.

[pack0808]

If i try to make any moves on the new turf yall will probably have to carry me off the field. LOL My knee will make Hewitt's knee injury look like nothing. ;) I already had one of those severe hamstring cramps this morning at the office. You know?? the kind where you can do nothing but hold your breath and pray until it goes away. I have been moving for 3 days straight and my 31 year old legs cannot take it!! I need to get back in the gym!! LOL

[LPFAN]

Of course Lufkin will not be in playoff form at the beginning of the season. I don't think anybody who has a clue would think otherwise. Why do some Panther fans think that if Lufkin does not put up some big numbers at the beginning of the season then we are in trouble? We have so many "coaches" in the stands it is unreal. Do people forget how Lufkin started the season the year they won the State Championship? Obviously so because we did not put up the kind of numbers that everyone expects us to do at the beginning of this season. They obviously were not in playoff form at the beginning of their season. In 4 out of 5 non district games in 2001 we scored 17 or less points. That is not dominating at all. But what happened later? The team got better and eventually won the State Title. Here are the scores just in case some have forgotten.

2001
Beaumont Central WIN 17-7
Evangel LOSS 33-17
Aldine Eisenhower WIN 10-9
Killeen Ellison WIN 42-14
Corsicana WIN 10-7
Nacogdoches WIN 42-2
Marshall WIN 29-9
John Tyler WIN 32-8
Tyler Lee WIN 21-0
Longview WIN 21-7 DISTRICT CHAMPIONS- DIV II Playoffs
Dallas Carter WIN 35-16
Plano WIN 24-19 (Waco)
Killeen WIN 34-20 (Texas A&M)
Spring Westfield WIN 26-19 (OT)
Euless Trinity WIN 27-23 (Rose Stadium)
Austin Westlake WIN 38-24 STATE CHAMPIONS (Astrodome)
TEAM FINISHED: (15-1)

So for all the "experts" and "coaches" in the stands I ask, why are you not on the sidelines? Man I have not seen so many know-it-alls in my life.

[pack0808]

After 2001 Lufkin has basically dominated opponents early!! I think LP fans like myself are just used to it. I honestly do not expect it to change!! I do not expect them to struggle early to tell you the truth. Struggling for Lufkin is usually great success for 3/4th's of the other teams out there. Hey, I might be completely wrong about this team and maybe i am just in denial but i seriously doubt it. I know how much talent this team has and how good the coaching staff is so it makes me not worry.

[pack0808]

And Lpfan, Even though i do not think that last statement was directed at me?? That is what boards that are like this are for. To share opinions about your teams. It is like that in all ways of life. I cannot tell you how many non-doctors try to tell my dad how to practice medicine. Same thing. Nothing wrong with it in my opinion. I might disagree with many points people make but go ahead and make them because it leads to good discussion. Other wise boards like these would be boring.

[Favpack]

LP - you make a good point -- and that was really what I was trying to point out - your post was better. I think some folks are waltzing around thinking we're going undefeated - and beating everyone 41-7. Not anyone specific on this forum - just folks around town.

While I in no way am predicting a mediocre season - this team will likely not look pretty for several weeks.

BTW - folks may not have known or remembered that Reggie had a badly banged up shoulder the first part of his senior year in '01. If he had been healthy all year long - well, it wouldn't even have been fair. If I recall- his numbers were actually better his junior year, but the end result is what we remember.

The flip side is LP hangs 35 on Katy in Week 0 of '03 -- and never really duplicated that offensive output again - and lost to Garland in Round 1 with a terrible offensive performance - it's how you end not how you begin.

[pack0808]

Oregon and UH play tonight. If that is considered football?
TSRN is not broadcasting the Lp game...So I guess football season
officially starts for me at about 5pm Saturday. Hook 'em...


Hey wide my team does play this week against Ball st. That will be ugly!! :eek:

[LPFAN]

Of course Lufkin will not be in playoff form at the beginning of the season. I don't think anybody who has a clue would think otherwise. Why do some Panther fans think that if Lufkin does not put up some big numbers at the beginning of the season then we are in trouble? We have so many "coaches" in the stands it is unreal. Do people forget how Lufkin started the season the year they won the State Championship? Obviously so because we did not put up the kind of numbers that everyone expects us to do at the beginning of this season. They obviously were not in playoff form at the beginning of their season. In 4 out of 5 non district games in 2001 we scored 17 or less points. That is not dominating at all. But what happened later? The team got better and eventually won the State Title. Here are the scores just in case some have forgotten.

2001
Beaumont Central WIN 17-7
Evangel LOSS 33-17
Aldine Eisenhower WIN 10-9
Killeen Ellison WIN 42-14
Corsicana WIN 10-7
Nacogdoches WIN 42-2
Marshall WIN 29-9
John Tyler WIN 32-8
Tyler Lee WIN 21-0
Longview WIN 21-7 DISTRICT CHAMPIONS- DIV II Playoffs
Dallas Carter WIN 35-16
Plano WIN 24-19 (Waco)
Killeen WIN 34-20 (Texas A&M)
Spring Westfield WIN 26-19 (OT)
Euless Trinity WIN 27-23 (Rose Stadium)
Austin Westlake WIN 38-24 STATE CHAMPIONS (Astrodome)
TEAM FINISHED: (15-1)

So for all the "experts" and "coaches" in the stands I ask, why are you not on the sidelines? Man I have not seen so many know-it-alls in my life.
Now I am not saying that we won't put up some nice numbers at the beginning of the season because that is always possible. What I am saying is that if we don't it is not a big deal because I know they will only get better. Let's just let the kids play and lets just be thankful that we still have a home, our family, and the privilege of being able to watch a football game this weekend.

[pack0808]

I honestly believe Lufkin will go 10-0 pretty easily like last year!! Call me crazy but i think it will happen. Many thought the same before people went nuts over the meaningless scrimmage games. If you look at the schedule Lufkin should go 10-0. The only game that really scares me is Klein Collins at their place. The Woodlands is at Abe so i am not worried.

[pack0808]

Yeah LPfan after watching what happened in Lousiana and Mississippi i sure feel pathetic thinking i was having it bad because i was moving. I am thankful to have a house to move to. Whenever we think we have it bad all you have to do is look around and see how great most of us really have it compared to others that are not as fortunate. It is just human nature to complain some though.

[LPFAN]

I honestly believe Lufkin will go 10-0 pretty easily like last year!! Call me crazy but i think it will happen. Many thought the same before people went nuts over the meaningless scrimmage games. If you look at the schedule Lufkin should go 10-0. The only game that really scares me is Klein Collins at their place. The Woodlands is at Abe so i am not worried.
I honestly think it is possible too. All I am saying is if it doesn't happen it is not the end of the world and they will still have a great season. I don't think you would think any less of the Panthers if they don't go undefeated. It is obvious you are a loyal fan and will still support them no matter how the season ends. Here is how I approach each season. I go in with the thought that Lufkin has the potential to be a great team but still have some areas of concern when they lose key players to graduation. Then when the season starts I just become more amazed with the coaching and the team after each game. It just gets more exciting each game and that is what I love about Lufkin Panther football. Obviously amidst all the exciting wins there have been some losses that were not expected (ie-Garland) so that goes to show that even though you are great, you can still fall. I look forward to another great season of Panther Fooball!!!

[LPFAN]

Oh and when it comes to talking about our receiving corps........man those guys can flat out run...and catch. I have been to several of their practices and I think that they are the most talented group of receivers I have seen come through Lufkin at the same time. There is just speed all over the field. :eek: I don't see near as many dropped balls during practice as I have in past seasons. Just 31 1/2 hrs till kickoff!!!

[c-lisle]

Oh and when it comes to talking about our receiving corps........man those guys can flat out run...and catch. I have been to several of their practices and I think that they are the most talented group of receivers I have seen come through Lufkin at the same time. There is just speed all over the field. :eek: I don't see near as many dropped balls during practice as I have in past seasons. Just 31 1/2 hrs till kickoff!!!

How is the Oline progressing? True y'all have very talented receivers, but that won't matter if you can't protect the QB.

[pack0808]

As i stated before i am not a fair weather fan!! Ask anybody that knows me!! I am like that with all of my teams. That is how it should be!! It is frustrating when you have been loyal to a team for a long time even when the times were bad, and then when that same team starts winning you have all of these fake band wagon fans. I just want to go up to them and say where were you when it was bad. It has happened with my Cowboys, Steelers, Celtics, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Panthers. That is just the nature of the beast though. It happens in the colleges and pros and it happens in every sport. If you win there will be plenty but if you lose there is only the true fans left. The people trying to sell tickets love band wagon fans though. It is always good for the team because it brings in money.

[pack0808]

How is the Oline progressing? True y'all have very talented receivers, but that won't matter if you can't protect the QB.


Something i completley agree with you on Rclisle stop the press!! ;) In my opinion, this is the best wr corps to ever come out of lufkin and most know that. They are one of the best in the state. But rclisle makes a good point, You need time to throw to them. You also need a qb that is able to make the throws or having great wr's is pointless. I think the ol will struggle some early but will improve all throughout the season. I am not worried about the qb. Claybon is talented enough!! It would also obviously help the passing game if Lufkin could have a decent running attack. That usually goes hand in hand. You have to have some type of threat to run the ball or the good defenses will eat you up.

[LPFAN]

How is the Oline progressing? True y'all have very talented receivers, but that won't matter if you can't protect the QB.
Nowhere in my statement did I imply that because our receiving corps is talented, we don't have to worry about anything. The subject about our o'line is worn out. Everybody knows they are a work in progress. Man can anybody say anything positive about the team without someone feeling the need to remind everybody about the negatives. I did not state the obvious about the o'line because I already know that they have alot of work ahead of them. Does it make you feel good to always point out the negatives? All teams will have their positives and negatives. I am not denying the obvious and I agree with your statement but why even say it? It is almost as if you enjoy saying something negative about the Pack any chance you can. All I was doing was commenting about the receivers. Not the whole offense.

[Favpack]

Ok guys - my fault - should have started the thread more positively - give me the heat.

You guys going to Meet the panthers? Probably the only chance we get to walk the new turf. My younger one says please don't watch the non-varsity cheerleaders -- they are way not together yet -- but their season is here too. Fresh playing tonight at MidSchool - don't know about JV. I'm assuming the freshman studs (Lewis, McFarland,Claybon) are on JV rather than Freshman team?

[c-lisle]

Nowhere in my statement did I imply that because our receiving corps is talented, we don't have to worry about anything. The subject about our o'line is worn out. Everybody knows they are a work in progress. Man can anybody say anything positive about the team without someone feeling the need to remind everybody about the negatives. I did not state the obvious about the o'line because I already know that they have alot of work ahead of them. Does it make you feel good to always point out the negatives? All teams will have their positives and negatives. I am not denying the obvious and I agree with your statement but why even say it? It is almost as if you enjoy saying something negative about the Pack any chance you can. All I was doing was commenting about the receivers. Not the whole offense.

sensitive are we? just asking to see if there had been any developments. Hey i'm rooting hard for LP cause I want y'all in the 3rd round this year.

[LP_FAN_in_Plano]

sensitive are we? just asking to see if there had been any developments. Hey i'm rooting hard for LP cause I want y'all in the 3rd round this year.
Be careful of what you wish for.

[c-lisle]

I would hope LP fans would want the same thing....what a match-up. It's just a fun game and a great rivalry. I hope it happens every year.

[bleedgreen]

i'm wishing for it too, LPinPlano.....RClisle---give those Panthers hell, brother----i got your back!!--LOL........................