The Liberty-Eylau Leopards are hoping this year will see them make another deep run into the Texas State High School Football Playoffs.

Last year, the Leopards were 12-2 and made it all the way to the State Quarterfinals narrowly losing that contest. This year, Head Coach Steve Wells says they have five returning starters on offense and five returning starters on defense.

Coach Wells says they will have to replace some skilled positions but they have some good young kids moving up.

Some of the players who they hope to bring leadership to the Leopards this year include:

Offense:

Kameron Levingston, Kevin Florence, Decorion Phillips, Isaih Cross, Aaron Bruce, and Franklin Smith.

Defense:

Lagaryonn Carson, Micheal Lindley, and Orion Williams.

Coach Wells has a great staff of assistant coaches supporting him this season. They include:

Rick Cullom- Offensive Coordinator

Mike Baysinger- Defensive Coordinator

Jamie Palmer-Offensive Line Coach

David Daniels- Cornerbacks

Marlon Byrdsong-Linebackers

Brandon Rollins-Defensive Tackles

Jackie Stone-Defensive Ends

Casey Cauley-Receivers

Ricky Rushing-Offensive Line

Wilchis Harmon-Running Backs

Coach Wells says he believes that Paris and Princeton and the Leopards will be battling for the District Championship this fall.

Coach Wells hopes for big things for these Leopards this season. His goals include trying to win a 3rd straight District Championship with the ultimate goal of winning a State Championship, something that Liberty-Eylau has accomplished twice in the past.

By the way, if you go to Leopard home games this season you will notice the new turf field. Coach Wells is very thankful to the Liberty-Eylau community for supporting and voting for the measure that allowed for the new turf.

"It is awesome," he says.

The Leopards are the first team in Texarkana to start their season tonight with a Thursday, August 25, opening in Tyler, against powerhouse Gilmer. Kick off is at 7PM.

You can catch live Liberty-Eylau action on Mix 93.3 FM or you can listen live at Mix933FM.

Matt Fry will have the play-by-play call with newcomer Joseph Lavender, providing color commentary for the Leopard broadcast.

Visit L-E's football page website for more details.

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