Football Saturday preview: Oak Ridge faces one of state's top teams

Lufkin vs. Oak Ridge, Saturday 2 p.m., Woodforest Bank Stadium

It’s been a tough season for the War Eagles, losing seven of eight games this season despite having a strong offensive attack. But the season will get tougher as they face one of the state’s top 5A teams.

Lufkin, who is ranked as high as No. 10 and as low as No. 12 in a lot of state polls, come to Shenandoah two weeks from its emotional win over The Woodlands to put them in the driver’s seat for the District 14-5A title. After its bye week, the Panthers come in well-rested and pretty much healthy. They will use this game to prepare for next week’s game against Kingwood that could clinch the district title.

The Panthers’ offensive attack is led by running back Jamarcus Walker, who averages 97 yards per game and has 15 touchdowns this season. The quick and speedy Walker carries the load, but has gotten a lot of help from quarterback Nick Cox and receiver Jabryce Taylor, who both had big plays in their 30-10 win over the Highlanders.

The Lufkin defense is quick and can get to the ball carrier in a hurry. That aggressive play has helped them to hold their last three opponents to 10 points or under.

Meanwhile, Oak Ridge has been able to move the football, averaging 292 yards per game. But the defense hasn’t been able to stop anyone lately, giving up 45 points or more in five games this season, including last week’s 52-0 loss to The Woodlands.

Quarterback Michael Handy played valiantly despite nursing a bad knee, throwing for 145 yards. But because his scrambling ability is limited, his play-making skills are not what they were at the beginning of the season. Meanwhile, the running game has struggled in the last two games in not cracking 100 yards in each of them.

The War Eagles have the offense that could keep pace with Lufkin for the first half, but unless the defense can make some stops and get the offense back on the field, it will be another lopsided loss.