The Lufkin Panthers were the 31-14 winner over the Tyler Lions when they last played one another back in October of 2022, but their luck changed this time around. Lufkin fell just short of Tyler by a score of 23-20. Lufkin has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Tyler's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Caden Granberry led the charge by throwing for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Derrick Mcfall was another key contributor, picking up 101 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Special teams played a big role in the game for Tyler, adding 11 points to the final score. All those points came courtesy of Marvin Espinal: he added nine points with three field goals, and another two kicking extra points.
Lufkin has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost four of their last five games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-4 record this season. As for Tyler, the victory makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 6-2.
Lufkin will be playing in front of their home fans against West Mesquite at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. West Mesquite will have to bring their A-game into this one, as they are staring down a pretty big deficit in the MaxPreps Texas Rankings (they are ranked 445th, while Lufkin is ranked 117th). As for Tyler, they will head out on the road to face off against Longview at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Longview is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last six games.
