Sneak Peek: Levelland looks to keep making progress
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<p>Since advancing to the Class 4A state quarterfinals – and playing into December – in 2016, the Levelland Lobos have fought to find their footing, particularly the last three seasons (2020-22), compiling a 5-27 overall record in that span.</p>
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<p>However, Lobos head coach Lyle Leong Jr., a former standout Texas Tech wide receiver, believes qualifying for the 2022 playoffs will propel the program forward and help build a winning culture.</p>
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<p>“I don't think anybody in our program had been part of a playoff team, so it was the first time for our kids to experience that,” Leong told texasfootball.com during the South Plains coaching clinic. “We're trying to make that an expectation and not one of those things that happens every couple of years. I think our kids are hungry to experience that (playoffs) again, enhance it and go to the second round.”</p>
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<p>Levelland's 2022 offense revolved around running back Marco Guillen, a two-way player who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as a senior. But he's graduating soon and the Lobos must find a worthy successor. </p>
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<p>Levelland must also replace graduating senior quarterback Konner Alexander.</p>
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<p>“We have to find a quarterback,” Leong said. “Konner did a great job for us. We have to find somebody to step up for us. That's what makes high school football so amazing. Each year you have to find new people and put them in the right places.”</p>
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<p>Levelland runs the spread under Leong, who played for Mike Leach at Texas Tech. </p>
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<p>The strength of the Lobos could be the secondary, which had three all-district performers in 2022. <strong>Ben Alvarado</strong> started every game at safety as a freshman in 2021 and has steadily improved since then, becoming the ‘heart and soul' of the Lobos' defense.</p>
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<p>He's running track this spring and runs the 100 in about 11.3 seconds. He'll bring that speed to the Lobos' solid defense. </p>
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<p>Two-year starter <strong>Jayden Flores</strong> excels at wide receiver and defensive back. Eryk Jones is an intriguing 6-foot-2, 165-pound athlete. Junior WR/DB <strong>Noah Tienda</strong> had 66 tackles (54 solo) and 3.5 TFL in 2022. He's another playmaker Levelland will be counting on.</p>
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<p>“I'm excited about that secondary,” Leong said.</p>
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<p><strong>Levelland 2023 Schedule</strong></p>
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<p>Aug. 25 PLAINVIEW</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 at Snyder</p>
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<p>Sept. 7 LUBBOCK (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 at Lubbock Estacado</p>
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<p>Sept. 22 at San Angelo Lake View</p>
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<p>Sept. 29 DALHART</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 at Perryton*</p>
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<p>Oct. 12 CANYON WEST PLAINS (Thur.)*</p>
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<p>Oct. 20 at Borger*</p>
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<p>Oct. 27 SEMINOLE*</p>
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<p>Nov. 3 Bye</p>
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<p>* District Game</p>
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Since advancing to the Class 4A state quarterfinals – and playing into December – in 2016, the Levelland Lobos have fought to find their footing, particularly the last three seasons (2020-22), compiling a 5-27 overall record in that span.
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