The Woodlands Highlanders tame Lufkin Panthers, maintain perfect district record

LUFKIN, Texas-- -The Woodlands Highlanders came into Lufkin Friday night looking to keep their undefeated season rolling against the Panthers at John Outlaw Memorial Field.

The Highlanders were riding high after their blowout win over an exceptional George Ranch team last weekend. Lufkin came off of a convincing road win over The College Park Cavaliers.

The two teams came out hot, as on the Highlanders first possession, Quarterback Quinton Johnson broke a huge run that would go to the house for a Highlander touchdown, which was followed by a Fabrizio Pinton extra point.

It wouldn’t be long for The Panthers to answer though, as Isaiah Phillips hit the hole hard on a carry from his own 1-yard line and earned the first points of the game for Lufkin. The extra point was missed though and Lufkin was still behind 7-6.

Both defenses went back and forth getting stops until The Woodlands knit a drive together that featured a long pass to Wide Receiver Kesean Carter. Pinton knocked one through as The Woodlands extended their lead to 10-6.

The home team quickly answered as Quarterback Kewone Thomas drove his offense quickly down the field and hit Wide Reciever Ja'lynn Polk on a beautiful quick hitter that went for six. After Kicker Rodrigo Molina nailed the extra point, Lufkin overtook the Highlanders 14-10.

There was a quick response by the Highlanders. On a drive where Kesean Carter accounted for another huge chunk of yardage for The Woodlands, Johnson rolled out to his left and found Wide Receiver Connor Klapesky for Johnson’s second touchdown of the game.

This game sped up in a hurry. Lufkin seemed to have an answer every time The Woodlands scored. Kewone Thomas found Polk again for the pair’s second hook up of the night. Molina’s extra point was good and The Panthers were back out in front 21-17.

Highlanders offense tried to run a two-minute drill to finish the first half but were unsuccessful as Johnson threw an interception in Panthers territory, which was returned a good amount of yards. Lufkin was not able to do anything with the ball and the two teams went into halftime with the Highlanders behind 21-17.

The second half belonged to the Highlanders, who scored 28 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters. Running Backs Lucas Summers and Bryeton Gilford took over for The Woodlands and gave the Panthers defense fits. The Highlanders defense turned the heat up as well and did not let the Panthers offense gain any yards or momentum.

The Highlanders are back at Woodforest Stadium Thursday Oct. 12 against a high-powered Beaumont West Brook offense that ran through The College Park Cavaliers this past Thursday. This will be a Woodlands Online Live Broadcast Game.