Nacogdoches, Lufkin Secure Playoff Berths with Friday Night Wins

There was a lot of 'erasing' when it came to Friday night football with the Nacogdoches Dragons and the Lufkin Panthers. 

Nacogdoches erased a lackluster first half performance against Whitehouse in a game that had huge playoff repercussions.  The Dragons could do little right and were outplayed in the first two quarters and trailed 29-10 at the break.  But, Nacogdoches, relying heavily on the leadership and determination of 33 seniors, outscored the Wildcats 36-7 in the second half.  The Dragons erased the deficit and erased any doubt that they would make the playoffs.

Nacogdoches will play John Tyler next Friday to wrap up the regular season.  That game has no bearing whatsoever on the first round playoff seedings for the Dragons.  Nacogdoches will probably play Sulphur Springs in the first round of the playoffs. However, if Marshall is able to beat Sulphur Springs next Friday night, the Dragons could end up facing Marshall, Sulphur Springs, or perhaps even a rematch with Hallsville. Nacogdoches will be competing in Division Two of the Class 5A playoffs.

Meanwhile, in Corsicana, the Lufkin Panthers were firing on at cylinders, offense-defense-special teams, in a dominating 48-0 victory, helping to erase recent memories of heartbreaking losses.  That's all history now, as the 'second season' for Lufkin will soon start.  Coupled with the Whitehouse loss, the Panthers have also punched their ticket to the 2014 playoffs.

The Panthers will close out their regular season at home next Friday against Jacksonville.  The Pack will be heavily favored but this game will also have no playoff seeding implications.  The first round of the playoffs for Lufkin will feature a rematch with the Longview Lobos, champs of District 15-5A. The Panthers will be competing in Division One of the Class 5A Playoffs.

Congratulations to Nac and the Pack on a job well done.  You have made East Texas very proud!  Now...on to state!