According to DCTF Insider Matt Stepp on Tuesday morning, Lufkin won its appeal with the UIL that will move its football program out of a Dallas-Fort Worth area district.
The UIL announced its 2024 – 2026 realignment earlier this month.
Lufkin was put into 7-5A D1 alongside Tyler, Highland Park, Burleson Centennial, Joshua, Cleburne, Red Oak and Midlothian. Cleburne to Lufkin alone is more than 200 miles away – making it a 3 1/2 hour drive one way while Lufkin to Tyler is still a drive – nearly 100 miles apart.
Lufkin will now hop over to Region 3 in 9-5A D1.
The Panthers will join Angleton, Baytown Sterling, Beaumont United, Beaumont West Brook, Galveston Ball, Mount Belvieu Barbers Hill and Port Arthur Memorial. The remaining teams in 7-5A D1 will be looking to replace their previously scheduled game with Lufkin to fulfill its 10-game schedule.
Lufkin went 5-6 last season with a playoff appearance. The Panthers lost to Lancaster 28-27.
