PurpleNation
10-06-2005, 11:51 PM
"I just love to go out there and hit people," Willis said. "We've got so many guys back on this defense that played last year that I know I can just go out there and focus on my job."
Coming into the season, there was talk that this year's defense could be one of the best to ever play for Lufkin. Through the first four games of the season, the numbers would say they could be well on their way to that lofty status.
The Panthers have allowed only a total of 33 points in four games with many of those points coming after the starters had come out in lopsided Lufkin wins.
"With the tradition of defenses we've had here, especially with Coach (Todd) Quick, we don't want to be the group to have a letdown," Willis said. "We go out there every night with a goal of shutting the other team down."
Lufkin Head Coach John Outlaw says that Willis' work ethic is just as beneficial as his play on the field has been. As a junior, his 59 tackles were a benefit to the team.
However, his leadership could make him even more of an asset to the team this year.
"He's a guy that always comes in with a smile on his face, and he's a great leader for this team," Outlaw said. "He's the type of player that we're in this business for because he's such a pleasure to coach."
While the Panthers have plenty of talent to go around, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Willis says the team chemistry is just as important to Lufkin's success.
"Most of the guys on this team are friends off the field too," Willis said. "So I think that makes it even easier for us to go out there and play as a team every time we take the field."
Willis also said that the team takes a great deal of pride in playing for Lufkin's fans. Lufkin will finally get its second chance to play at home when it hosts Oak Ridge this Friday.
He also said the coaching staff makes sure the team's ready for gametime.
"It's great to play here because of the atmosphere you get for the games, especially when we're at home," Willis said. "It's great to play in front of them, and I love playing for Coach Outlaw."
Judging by the results the past several seasons, most of the players feel the same way. The Panthers haven't lost a regular season game in Willis' two seasons, and they sport an overall record of 19-1 in that span.
And accodring to Willis, the team effort is all they're worried about.
"When we go out on the field, individual stats don't really matter," Willis said. "We just want to go out there, and do whatever we can do to win."
Thats my boy Stew Will true heart of a champion
Coming into the season, there was talk that this year's defense could be one of the best to ever play for Lufkin. Through the first four games of the season, the numbers would say they could be well on their way to that lofty status.
The Panthers have allowed only a total of 33 points in four games with many of those points coming after the starters had come out in lopsided Lufkin wins.
"With the tradition of defenses we've had here, especially with Coach (Todd) Quick, we don't want to be the group to have a letdown," Willis said. "We go out there every night with a goal of shutting the other team down."
Lufkin Head Coach John Outlaw says that Willis' work ethic is just as beneficial as his play on the field has been. As a junior, his 59 tackles were a benefit to the team.
However, his leadership could make him even more of an asset to the team this year.
"He's a guy that always comes in with a smile on his face, and he's a great leader for this team," Outlaw said. "He's the type of player that we're in this business for because he's such a pleasure to coach."
While the Panthers have plenty of talent to go around, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Willis says the team chemistry is just as important to Lufkin's success.
"Most of the guys on this team are friends off the field too," Willis said. "So I think that makes it even easier for us to go out there and play as a team every time we take the field."
Willis also said that the team takes a great deal of pride in playing for Lufkin's fans. Lufkin will finally get its second chance to play at home when it hosts Oak Ridge this Friday.
He also said the coaching staff makes sure the team's ready for gametime.
"It's great to play here because of the atmosphere you get for the games, especially when we're at home," Willis said. "It's great to play in front of them, and I love playing for Coach Outlaw."
Judging by the results the past several seasons, most of the players feel the same way. The Panthers haven't lost a regular season game in Willis' two seasons, and they sport an overall record of 19-1 in that span.
And accodring to Willis, the team effort is all they're worried about.
"When we go out on the field, individual stats don't really matter," Willis said. "We just want to go out there, and do whatever we can do to win."
Thats my boy Stew Will true heart of a champion