Lufkin’s season ended with a 42-7 loss to La Porte, which clinched an undefeated District 9-5A Division I campaign. The Panthers needed a win to reach the playoffs but finished in a four-team tie for the final spot and were eliminated by point differential. La Porte running back Sean Simon powered the Bulldogs with five touchdowns, while Lufkin coach Carl Abseck pointed to the Panthers’ inconsistency as a key reason they missed the postseason.

By the Numbers
  • Sean Simon: 302 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.
  • Lufkin: 5-5 overall and 4-4 in district play.
  • La Porte: 8-2 overall and undefeated in district play.
  • Final score: La Porte 42, Lufkin 7.
Yes, But

Lufkin had chances to keep the game closer, driving inside La Porte’s 20-yard line twice before failing to convert on fourth down. But Simon’s breakaway runs repeatedly turned those stops into scoring opportunities, and the Panthers couldn’t recover from a 35-7 halftime deficit.

Bottom Line

Lufkin’s playoff hopes came down to a must-win finale, but a powerful La Porte offense—and the Panthers’ earlier inconsistency—closed the door on the season.