LOBOS TO PLAY IN 'DOME FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1986
HOUSTON - Longview last played in the Astrodome during the second round of the 1986 playoffs against Conroe McCullough.

Having played two playoff games this year in outdoor stadiums and two more in the semi-enclosed Texas Stadium, the Lobo players admit there are a few changes to contend with today against Katy in the Class 5A, Division I Texas Bowl Championship.

Opened in 1965 as the first domed stadium, it was referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

"It isn't really that much different," said Dexter Daniels, who said that the dome's glass pane-like roof will make him have to concentrate a little harder on fielding punt returns. "On the punts, once they get up into the air, it's kind of hard to see through the openness of the roof. But I don't think it's going to be a problem.

"It's a championship game and there's going to be a big crowd, but we've played in front of big crowds all year. As long as the Lord's with us, everything's going to turn out fine."

Quarterback Jay Hurst paid particular attention to the flag surface of the turf, which does not have the exaggerated crown in the middle of the field. The crown is especially high at Texas Stadium. It was the crown at Panther Stadium in Duncanville during the playoff opener which caused him to overthrow his receivers.

"I don't think the flat field bothers me too much. The crown, I guess, gave me a little trouble looking up against the glass of the dome."

The Astrodome has served as a multi-purpose facility, where it continues to be home to Major League Baseball's Houston Astros and the University of Houston Cougars, and until this NFL season the now-Tennessee Oilers. It also houses the world's largest indoor rodeo, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

"Once the kickoff happens, I think this is all going to be back to normal," said Lobo head coach Roberto Bero. "It's a flat field and I don't think it's going to bother us at all. The quarterbacks seemed like they threw it (the ball) real well."

Hurst comes into today's title game having thrown for 1,332 yards and 11 touchdowns. Lee Nix has also been successful with 570 yards through the air and eight TDs.

"This is very different...it's awesome," countered Erin Roerecke, who shares kicking duties with David Monsivais. "You've got to one in on what you're trying to accomplish. Try to get it through no matter where you're at."

For the record, the Lobos beat McCullough 11 years ago, 14-7.