High school football preview: Levelland Lobos look to build on playoff appearance
The Levelland football team fought its way into the playoffs last season, and coach Lyle Leong Jr. hopes to make that the standard.
As the group enters its third year under Leong, the coach said that message is sinking in.
"They understand what's going on," Leong said. "They know what we expect. They know our system. That's the thing that makes me the most excited. These kids understand, and the bond we've built since we've been here has been awesome."
The Lobos gave district champion Monahans a scare in a 27-15 first-round loss, a game Leong felt Levelland had a chance to win. Monahans reached the regional final, giving Leong optimism his team can compete.
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"I think that was exciting for our kids to understand how close we are to being able to win a couple playoff games," Leong said, "to make those runs. It's more so for our kids kind of getting their mindset right. … They got a taste, and now they want a little more. They know what it takes to get there."
The Lobos' defense boasts experience in linebackers Gage Potter and Eli Randol. Junior defensive back Noah Tienda is also a three-year starter, and Jayden Flores will join him in the secondary.
Luis Castellanos and Joe Peña will be key on the offensive and defensive lines. Leong said the best players will play on both sides of the ball "until they get tired."
That includes Rusty Johnson, a linebacker who will also battle Boston Winfield for the starting quarterback job. Flores, Tienda, Potter and Ben Alvarado make up what Leong expects to be a deep receiver corps. Austin Ellis is a returning running back.
"I think that's the goal of the team: to win each week," Leong said, "make playoffs and then win a playoff game. … It's been five years, so winning a playoff game is a big one for the boys."
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Levelland Lobos
Head coach — Lyle Leong Jr. (3-18, all at Levelland)
2022 record — 2-9 overall, 1-3 in District 2-4A Division II
Last district title/playoff appearance — 2018/2022
Base offense — Air raid
Base defense — 3-4
Returning lettermen — 18
Returning off./def. starters — 5/9
Players to watch — Rusty Johnson, QB/LB; Luis Castellanos, OL/DL; Joe Peña, OL/DL; Jayden Flores, WR/DB; Austin Ellis, RB/LB; Gage Potter, WR/LB
2023 schedule
* — denotes District 2-4A DII game
Aug. 25 — vs. Plainview, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1 — at Snyder, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8 — vs. Lubbock High, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 — at Estacado, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 — at San Angelo Lake View, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 — vs. Dalhart, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6 — at Perryton*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 — vs. Canyon West Plains*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 — at Borger*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 27 — vs. Seminole*, 7 p.m.
2022 results
at Plainview L, 42-3
Snyder L, 21-7
at Lubbock High L, 21-14
Estacado L, 39-13
San Angelo Lake View W, 17-0
at Dalhart L, 33-24
Perryton* L, 28-10
at Canyon West Plains* L, 52-7
Borger* W, 28-21
at Seminole* L, 41-7
Monahans L, 27-15 (bi-district)
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: High school football preview: Levelland to build on playoff berth
