The Dragons traveled across the Angelina River to take on the Panthers of Lufkin High School for the 105th meeting for the rival teams. Friday’s game was apart of the Great American Rivalry Series, this East Texas rivalry serves as the longest rivalry game series in the entire state of Texas.
The Dragons walked into Abe Martin Stadium looking to get their first series win since 2014, but the Panthers were also looking to put up a good fight. The Lufkin Panthers took this game 56-0, enhancing their lead in the all-time series record to 76-23-6.
The Dragons got off to a fast start marching down the field on their first possession before having it cut short. Lufkin quickly matched the pace and scored on the next possession. Lufkin seemed to take the momentum after returning a punt for a touchdown.
“We need to stiffen up and fill the gaps,” Defensive Coordinator Sterling McHorse said to motivate his team at halftime. The Dragons continued to fight but fell short in the end. McHorse attributed the team’s shortcomings on Friday to their youth. “We’re young and we’re gonna learn from it,” McHorse said.
The Dragons look to redeem themselves and show that they are still in the playoff conversation on Friday, September 13th, at Dragon Stadium as they take on the Livingston Lions. It’s Homecoming week, come early, be loud, and back the NAC!
