AJ Armonta, leaping over his teammate during a recent game, and the rest of the Lobos, who play at Alamo Heights Friday, are in must-win scenarios for the rest of the regular season if they want to stay alive in the playoff chase. (Photo by David Simoneaux)
by WES FERGUSON
The Lehman Lobos will face one of the biggest tests in the history of their football program on Friday when they travel to Alamo Heights in San Antonio.
A win over the Mules would end a three-game skid and send the Lobos on a late-season rally for a chance at the fourth and final playoff spot in District 27-4A. Making the playoffs would be a major accomplishment for a team that has yet to find a district footing.
Lehman has won only one district game, 2009 against Lockhart, in six years of playing varsity football.
As much hope as a win would bring to the Lobos, a loss would mean the opposite: the end of a season-long dream.
“Since two-a-days, that’s the goal – to make the playoffs,” said Ethan Martin, a senior captain and two-way starter. “It’s just been nailed into our heads. It’s been repeated over and over. You gotta make the playoffs. That’s it. That’s all we’ve got to do.”
But the path to the playoffs must begin with a win over Alamo Heights, and that’s no sure bet. The Mules will enter the game with the confidence of a 3-1 district record, having knocked off a pair of teams that already beat Lehman – Hays and New Braunfels Canyon.
The Lobos say they are up to the challenge. They are rested and healthier following a bye week, and they believe they will compete with Alamo Heights and then win the last two games against weaker teams, the 1-2 Clemens Buffaloes and 0-3 Lockhart Lions.
“We’ve only won one district game out of our whole history. If we went to the playoffs, it would be crazy,” said Martin, a linebacker and offensive lineman. “Nobody sees us as a team that goes to the playoffs. We’re kind of the trash of the district, and it would be nice to be seen differently.”
Martin’s teammates also spoke of their desire to cast off the perceived stigma surrounding their program. Senior linebacker Charles Williams said that after four years of hard work, anything short of the playoffs would be a major disappointment.
“They always think of us as the pushover team, the football team that doesn’t go anywhere, that’s all talk and is only winning non-district games,” Williams said. “So if we can make the playoffs it will show the community that we are something, that we are a family, that we will show how good we really are.”
Running back Levi Medley will return to the starting lineup after missing a game and a half with a concussion. Backfield teammate Matt Zamora is also expected to play after suffering an injury on Oct. 7.
A trip to the playoffs would be a crucial step toward building Lehman’s football program, head coach Steve Davis said.
“You’ve got to do it before people start believing it,” he said. “You can talk all you want about it, but people want to see results, and we understand that. Our kids are working hard to make that happen.
“It’s always hardest the first time you do something,” Davis continued. “It’s a tough district, and we know these three games aren’t going to be easy. But you know, we’ve played some tough competition, so we’re ready for the challenge, and we’re going go out and give our best effort and see where the cards fall.”
Will the Lobos make the playoffs?
“I think we can do it,” Martin said.
“We’re planning on it, sir,” said Williams.
Added Kenny Higgins, junior offensive lineman: “If we all work together, anything’s possible.”
Mule kickin’
• Lehman can’t afford any setbacks in its Friday night matchup at Alamo Heights.
• A loss would leave the Lobos outside looking in when the playoff season rolls around in a few weeks.
