Main Story

Lufkin needs a win over Beaumont West Brook tonight to strengthen its playoff chances and send Abe Martin Stadium out with a victory in its final regular-season game. The Panthers are coming off a 28-21 loss, while West Brook has won three straight behind dual-threat quarterback Tam Anderson.

By the Numbers
  • Lufkin is 4-4 overall and 3-3 in district play.
  • Anderson has 683 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 1,378 passing yards and 16 touchdown passes.
  • Lufkin is 2-3 at Abe Martin Stadium this season; the stadium has hosted the Panthers for 54 years.
Yes, But

A win tonight would help Lufkin’s playoff position, but it would not clinch a berth. Winning tonight and next week at first-place LaPorte would guarantee the Panthers a spot; a loss could leave their postseason fate to a tiebreaker.

State of Play
  • Lufkin, West Brook and Beaumont United are tied at 3-3 in district play.
  • West Brook enters on a three-game winning streak, while LaPorte leads the district at 6-0.
  • West Brook’s offense is led by Anderson, and its defense has allowed just 7 and 14 points in its last two games.
What’s Next

Lufkin hosts West Brook tonight, then closes the regular season next week at LaPorte. The results will determine whether the Panthers secure a playoff berth outright or rely on a tiebreaker.

Bottom Line

Tonight is both a playoff-pressure game and Lufkin’s final regular-season chance to win at Abe Martin Stadium—a tough assignment against one of the district’s hottest teams.