The Longview Lobos (1-3) were handed their third straight loss of the season,
leaving questions if there will even be another win this season and if so when? In a
game that kept star RB Jamarcus Walker out, the Lobos had their eyes focused on QB
Deauntre Smiley.

Friday night WR Blain Tomlinson got the game opened the game up with a nice TD
reception from LaDarrin Robertson. In the second quarter Robertson capped of a 12
play drive for 95 yards…with a 2-yard TD run himself to put the score 13-0. On the
next possession the Lufkin Panthers (3-0) offense was forced to head back to their
bench, when LB Demarkus Lathan sacked Lufkin’s QB Deautre Smiley to anchor a three
and out.
Smiley quickly returned to the field with :43 seconds remaining, the dual QB found a
hole and ran right through the Lobo defense 13-7. Just as fans thought halftime
would send the Lobos into the locker room with a six point lead RB J’Haston Faggans
fumbles the football with 39 seconds left. It was more than enough time for Smiley.
With all day to throw the ball Smiley found his WR Taylor in the endzone and put his
team up 14-13.
Lobo head coach John King spent most of the half firing up his boys and the other
part, putting fire under the officials. King says he thought on the last TD that the
WR pushed off to catch the ball.
2nd half action started with Smiley getting the running game started. On a gutsy 4th
and 2 call…Smiley executes an option play to perfection and catches the Lobo
defense sleeping 21-13. As the crowd get anxious for another Lobo score. QB
Robertson is sidelined with an injury, during a 15 play drive. Backup QB Bivins
Carraway comes in and leads the Lobo’s into scoring position. Robertson returns and
finds D’Marjai Devine to cap off 91-yard drive. Robertson showing no signs of an
injuries flips his way into the endzone to tie the game 21-21.
However the 4th quarter would be too much for the Lobos. QB Smiley would hit another
reciever to give the Panthers the lead and the win.
Longview will now prepare to play defending 5A state champs Abilene High.

SHAVONNE HERNDON – EAST TEXAS ANALYST