LOBO OFFENSE FACES TEST
LONGVIEW - Lake Travis' football team is well-known for its offense, which is expected. It averages 49.1 points per game.

That doesn't mean the Lake Travis defense should be disregarded. In fact, the Cavaliers' defense has allowed an average of 14 points per game this season, and has been the core of two consecutive state titles. Longview coach John King said the unit doesn't get enough credit.

King also said Lake Travis' defense is better than it was last year. That defense held Longview in check, holding the Lobos to 10 points when the game was still in doubt before Lake Travis took a 48-23 decision in the 2008 Class 4A Division I state championship game.

It should create a challenging task for Longview's offense when they play a title-game rematch at 6 pm. Saturday at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, but the Lobos could be up for the challenge. The Lobos have scored 99 points in their last two games, and could be peaking at the best possible time.

WHEN LONGVIEW RUNS THE BALL
In their last three games, the Lobos have averaged 367.3 rushing yards per game, including 485 yards in a 49-28 state-semifinal win Saturday over Denton Guyer. Longview had three players rush for more than 100 yards each - Tyler McCray, Aaron Johnson and Da'Cedric Hunt - after Guyer had slowed two 100-yard rushers total in its 14 previous game.

That attack got good news over the weekend. McCray had to leave the Guyer game in the second quarter because he aggravated a left-ankle injury, but McCray was walking normally Monday and said he will be ready to go Saturday. McCray said simply strategy and good blocking have enhanced Longview's running success.

"Sometimes we would have too much moving around. Last week, we just found a hole and hit it," McCray said. "The hole on my touchdown run was one of the biggest I have ever seen."

While Longview's running game is on a roll, so is Lake Travis' run defense. The Cavaliers have allowed an average of 87.5 yards in its last two games.

Leading the defense is a line with two tackles who weigh at least 270 pounds each in Zach Watts and Jonathan Roberts. Longview offensive guard Bryce Redman said Lake Travis' line has size, but is also quick.

Lake Travis defense end Trevor Gillette is fourth on his team with 114 tackles. Longview offensive tackle Tevin Ratcliff said lake Travis has an unusual defensive strategy.

"They stunt on just about every play," Ratcliff said. "Before the snaps, you have to get reads by their stances."

The best part of Lake Travis' defense could be its linebackers. Linebacker Quinton Crow was an all-state selection last year, and he has picked up where he left off with 176 tackles this season. Linebacker Austin Williams has 159 tackles while rover Ian Lazarus has 125 tackles.

Johnson said Lake Travis' defense reminds him of three Longview opponents this season - Carrolton Newman Smith, Lufkin and Allen - and the linebackers are the best part.

"They are good with run and pass defense," Johnson said. "Their linebackers have real good size. They are very disciplined...and tough."

WHEN LONGVIEW PASSES THE BALL
Since they were successful running the ball last week, the Lobos didn't pass much against Guyer, but they were successful. Johnson and Rayshone McGee combined to go 5-for-6 for 58 yards and a touchdown. Johnson and McGee have had an up-and-down season, combine for 1,871 yards with a 54.4 percent completion rate. Receiver Carey Fortson is a big-play threat with 41 receptions for 799 yards and five touchdowns, although he didn't have a reception last week. LaDarrin Robertson (34 receptions, 418 yards) has been a dependable possession receiver.

Taylor Wrinkle leads Lake Travis with five interceptions as the Cavaliers have 16 picks for the season. Safety Hunter Akers (grandson of former University of Texas coach Fred Akers) has 104 tackles.

Fortson suffered a right-ankle injury against Lake Travis in the second quarter of last year's game on a a clean Lake Travis hit. Fortson said the physical element of the Lake Travis secondary is still around.

"They like to run a zone defense in their secondary," Fortson said. "They were more physical than I thought they would be last year. They played real physical."

OVERVIEW
Longview's offense may also be its defense to a degree. Fortson said the Lake Travis offense is more methodical than quick strike, using long drives to wear opponents down.

"We have to stop the three-plays-and-out possessions," Fortson said. "Our defense was tired last year because they stayed on the field too long."