Longview — The Longview Lobos have advanced to the state finals for the first time since 2009, and should they be victorious on Saturday, they will be the first Lobo team to win it all since 1937.
Though a championship win has eluded the team for 81 years, their fan support is as strong as ever, with a deep network of alumni and lifelong fans showing up for every game.
Longview alumnus Daryl Roseborough tells CBS19, “The togetherness for the city that Lobo football does for our town, I think that’s more effective or more important than actual championships.”
Roseborough is the leader of the Lobo fanatics that call themselves “The Dog Pound,” taking over for his cousin, Wilton Jones, to continue the family tradition.
“[Wilton] unfortunately passed away in 2013, so I kept the tradition going.” Explained Roseborough, “As far as the boys, they look forward to all that howling and that barking, to know that the Dogs are up there supporting them.”
Herman Writt played in the team’s 1997 championship loss, and now his son, Javontae, will start at linebacker for the Lobos on Saturday
“I remember it like it was yesterday.” Recalls Writt, “Like I told him, you got a chance Saturday, this is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”
The verdict is clear: whether or not the lobos win this Saturday, their community will follow them to the end. They will play Saturday at 3 p.m. in AT&T Stadium against Beaumont Westbrook to decide the Texas 6-A Division 2 title.