By Moses Leos III

It’s no secret that the Lehman Lobos (1-6, 1-4) have struggled in a vastly improved 14-6A district this season. 

The team is currently in the midst of a three game skid. District playoff contenders Austin High and Westlake are still on the horizon for the Lobos. 

Despite the myriad of trials, the Lobos still have an outside chance to earn a postseason berth. With their bye week now behind them, Lehman head coach Todd Raymond focuses on moving forward, beginning with Anderson High on Friday at Shelton Stadium. 

“We don’t control our destiny at this point. All we can focus on is playing Anderson and Austin [and Westlake],” Raymond said. “We have to take things one little bit at a time. We knew coming in that this district was going to be top heavy…it’s been a grinder.” 

Lehman’s bye week arrived at possibly the right time. The Lobos have been outscored 131-54 during the last three games; they’ve been outscored 298-159 through seven games. 

Battling injuries this season has been an issue for the Lobos, who struggle with depth. It was compounded during the last few weeks, as the team lost a few key players due to poor academic grades. 

But with the week off, the Lobos are recuperating, both on the field and in the classroom. 

Raymond said an after school study hall has helped get the Lobos back on track. 

“We got fortunate that our bye week coincided with the last week of the grading period,” Raymond said. “Now we’re trying to get some work in and get our legs back underneath us.” 

Returning to full health is quarterback Jeremy Schilhab, who suffered an injury against Hays on Sept. 26. While he sat out the game against Lake Travis on Oct. 3, Schilhab returned to action on Oct. 10 against Del Valle. 

However, Raymond said Schilhab wasn’t at 100 percent in his last outing. 

“He was better against Del Valle, but not at 100 percent, just by the way the offense ran and what we couldn’t and couldn’t do,” Raymond said. 

Alleviating pressure off of Schilhab will be the focus against Anderson. Schilhab said he will utilize running backs JR Torres and Brett Wagner.  Continuing to teach the five skill position players, all sophomores, is also a priority. 

But Schilhab also has the chance to make history as well. Lehman’s senior quarterback needs only 259 rushing yards to become the first Lobo to rush and pass for 1,000 yards. 

It’s a special moment for Raymond, who said he has had only one other athlete accomplish a similar feat during his coaching career. 

“That’s a cool deal if we can get him there,” Raymond said.  

With three games left, the Lobos are on the outside, looking in for a playoff spot. Winning their last few games, and having some help along the way, could put the Lobos back in the playoff discussion. 

For Raymond, the plan is to take things week by week. 

“You have to take it one thing at a time, and take it as it comes,” he said.