NACOGDOCHES - An epic 6A matchup between Longview and Lufkin took place at Homer Bryce Stadium and the game didn't disappoint.
"They told us it was going to be a fight they wanted revenge from last time we had to hold it down I'm thankful that we did what we had to do," says junior running back Jessie Anderson.
Senior quarterback A'Darius Carter agrees.
"It was exactly what I thought it would be two good teams, two great teams actually. Lufkin played their hearts out and we just came out on top."
The Lobos were able to put up 13 points in the first quarter, Lufkin then responded by putting up 17 unanswered points headed into the third quarter. But for junior wide receiver Kamden Perry keeping your head in the game pays off.
"Well they talk to us about not getting caught up in the crowd and the moment, they always talk about how not to look past the coaches if you look past the coaches you're not going to win the game and so we just stayed focus all game," says Perry.
For Longview head coach John King, you never underestimate a longtime rival like Lufkin.
"It's Longview Lufkin you know you have to have one more you know whether it was a stop or a touchdown or some points some way but Lufkin does a great job of coaching, Todd Quick I've got a tremendous amount of respect for him and his staff and his program."
With the panthers scoring late in the fourth quarter coupled with a last minute two point conversion to go up 32-26. Longview was able to march down the field with a minute left, quarterback Haynes King connected with Kamden Perry for a 40-yard touchdown to tie the game.
"At the end we went 'mayday' we worked on that all week and we knew it was going to comedown to that so we just had to execute," explains Perry.
Kicker Chris Kessler who had already missed two extra points and field goal nailed the extra point. The lobos were then able to go up 33-32. With 54 seconds left in the game. The panthers would get the ball back. Quarterback Kewone Thomas would then air it out but it would be picked off by junior safety Jephaniah Lister to end the game.
With a 33-32 win over Lufkin they will now play Midway in the state semifinals, a place the team haven't been since 2010.