Texas high school football is more than just a game — it’s a way of life. Dave Campbell's Texas Football is spotlighting a different program from across the Lone Star State, diving into their history, traditions, and legends. From powerhouse programs to hidden gems, Texas High School Football Spotlight is your deep dive into what makes each team unique. Whether it’s unforgettable seasons, iconic players, or fierce rivalries, this series celebrates the schools, communities, and stories that define Texas high school football. 

Today’s Spotlight: The Longview Lobos 

The Rundown

Longview, with its signature I-formation that punches teams in the mouth, has grown to symbolize East Texas Tough. Ranked sixth all-time with 792 wins, the Lobos are the biggest show in town, evidenced by their packed stands every Friday night.

By The Numbers 

Class – 6A
Enrollment – 2,185 students
Location – Gregg County, 40 miles east of Tyler

Trophy Case

State Championships – 2 1937, 2018
State Championship Appearances – 5 1937, 1997, 2008, 2009, 2018
District Championships – 42 (most recent: 2024)
Playoff Appearances – 50 (most recent: 2024)

Glory Days 

Longview is one of the all-time winningest TXHSFB programs that oftentimes couldn’t win the big one, until the 2018 state championship team broke an 81-year drought. A historically running football team, Longview was paced by junior quarterback and coach’s son Haynes King and wide receiver Kamden Perry’s 1,864 receiving yards.

The GOAT

Future NFL Hall of Famer Trent Williams still looms larger than his 6’5, 320-pound frame in Longview. He earned unanimous First Team All-District as a senior on the Lobos’ 2005 10-1 team and has made 11 Pro Bowls in a long professional career. 

The Architect

John King was considered the best Longview coach for a long time, but the 2018 championship officially pushed him past Pete Shotwell, who won the title in 1937. King has compiled a 235-49 record and has never missed the playoffs since taking over in 2005.

Battle Lines

The Battle on the Border between Longview and Marshall is one of the state’s longest rivalries (114 games). Longview has only lost one of the last 25 games and leads the all-time series 67-42-5. 

Home Turf

Longview has played at the 9,250-seat Lobo Stadium since 1977 but did add a new jumbotron in 2008. One thing that hasn’t changed - the grass “Lobos” sculpture behind the south end zone.

The Year That Was

The Lobos caught fire after a 2-2 start to reach the state semifinals behind District 10-6A MVP Kelvin “Boosie” Washington’s 2,571 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns. The defense was led by District Defensive MVP Kason Brooks (165 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 16 sacks) and North Texas signee Brendan Reese (Unanimous First Team All-District LB).

Looking Ahead

Longview faces a tall task in 2025, replacing four offensive linemen and star running back Washington, along with three all-state linebackers. But sophomore quarterback Johnny ‘Tre’ Hamilton could blossom into a star. Hamilton started his first varsity game as a sophomore in the second round of the playoffs and led Longview to the semifinals. 

Xs and Os

Offense – Pro-I
Defense – 4-3-5

On the Rise 

Wide receiver Jaden Hurndon was just the second Lobo in the last 25 years to play varsity football as a freshman. The 6’2, 175-pound prospect has offers from TCU, Texas Tech, Oregon and Michigan State.

In Their Own Words

“What makes the Lobos special? The unique thing about our program is how this is a community team and our kids grow up wanting to be LOBOS! The Lobos are "BUILT DIFFERENT" than most teams due to our physical style of play on offense and defense. Some consider us to be a 'throwback' team.” - John King