Top 26 storylines for 2016: No. 23 – Will a big school from East Texas break through this year?

[caption id="attachment_24496" align="alignright" width="350"]Photo by John Hamilton Photo by John Hamilton[/caption] Realignment changed the landscape of Class 6A football in East Texas. Lufkin, Longview and John Tyler joined from Class 5A. All three were placed in Region II, but Lufkin was left out of a District 11-6A that includes John Tyler, Longview and Tyler Lee – the other three 6A schools in East Texas. Lufkin will compete in District 12-6A with programs like The Woodlands. East Texas is a region filled with football excellence. Teams like Carthage, Gilmer and Waskom recently enjoyed state title success, but nothing like that has happened at the Class 5A level or above for some time. It might not be the year for an East Texas 6A to break through and win a state title, but there are three legitimate contenders for a Region II championship in either Division I or Division II. Longview and Lufkin face each other to start the season on Aug. 26. The winner will have clear bragging rights in the region and over the other program. But with a loaded roster, John Tyler could have the final say. CUJO plays Longview on Oct. 21 in a game between arguably the two best East Texas teams in the state. “John Tyler likely has the most FBS talent of East Texas’ big schools and has a good shot at a strong season despite moving up,” said Gabe Brooks of Scout.com. “But, Longview can never be ignored. Regardless of roster turnover, Longview is always fast and physical. And with a head coach who played offensive line in college and likes to pound the ball, the Lobos are always tough up front.” The issue for Longview is experience. The Lobos went 11-3 and reached the state quarterfinals in 2015, but return only four starters and 18 lettermen. The ranks will be filled by a junior varsity team that ran the table. Head coach John King knows how to prepare his team for district play and 2016 should be the same. The Lobos will emerge as one of those teams that is playing its best football down the stretch as the young players adjust to varsity football. John Tyler went through that same process in 2015 and it is why the Lions could have the inside track to take home the crown as East Texas’ best this year. John Tyler lost its first three games of 2015 before rebounding to reach the second round of the playoffs. Quarterback Bryson Smith spearheaded the turnaround and is back for his senior season. The University of Houston commit accounted for 41 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards of total offense as a junior. The battle for East Texas will be decided on the field and by results. With Longview and John Tyler in the same district, the two lead candidates for best team get to settle the score with a scoreboard. John Tyler’s experience gives the Lions an edge, on paper, entering the season. At the Class 5A level, Marshall is in position to make another push after a surprising 11-2 season in 2015. It was a banner year for head coach Clint Harper. The Mavericks knocked off Longview for the first time since 2000 and went further in the playoffs than any Marshall team since 2009. Favored in District 16-5A, Marshall started eight sophomores in 2015 and returns athlete Cameron Harper to take over at quarterback.

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