One of the oldest and most bitter of the East Texas rivalries is back to being the season opener after Longview moved to 6A as the Lobos will visit Abe Martin Stadium to take on Lufkin.

Longview enters the season with a lot of questions after losing a strong senior class, but one thing we know is the Lobos will feature an elite RB with Kelvin Washington leading the way along with Buster Mumphrey. WR Da’Marrion Williams is a big and physical target on the outside, but the Lobos will need consistent QB play to take advantage of his ability.

LB Brendon Reese and LB Kason Brooks are the ringleaders of a defense that will need to be rebuilt in the secondary and along the defensive line.

Lufkin has some high hopes to get back into the playoffs in 2024 as the Panthers will be led by their defense with LSU DL commit Zion Williams as the anchor in the middle while LB Kaden Hooper returns after a big junior season.

Lufkin’s got some new faces on offense, but there’s a tangible buzz around the Panthers going into 2024 so don’t be surprised if they give favored Longview all they want at home.

Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 6