It’s been awhile, but I seem to remember 5 D starters out & 2 O starters out (OL). A big difference is that Simon wasn’t involved yet. He’s totally changed LP’s rushing attack from last year as a bruising, explosive addition to Barnes, Sandolph & Bright. Last year—and early this season—LP was missing that element. Now, Coach Berneathy is not making talented players wait like many other coaches & even his predecessors at LP. If the kid can produce at the varsity level, they’re moved up. And man, has Simon produced! Over 1200 yards & 20 TD’s in less than a full season so far! It’s allowed LP to alternate RB’s where Barnes doesn’t take all the pounding. Barnes and Sandolph are also able to split out as receivers as desired to add threats that weren’t really an option last year. The PNG/LP game was a full-on tilt & good for both squads. I remember Gary Joseph in the end zone giving his son pointers as an extra set of eyes since he’d had experience with LP in past PO matchups. That was a good game. The score wasn’t really indicative of the game. Not sure anyone felt it was over until the final whistle! Good luck to y’all in Cajun Country. Bring back a win for SE Texas. (Yes. La Porte is still SETX. Ha!)

SEC fan bases before Texas got there: “The horns aren’t ready for this. Every week is a battle.” SEC fan bases after Texas arrived: “Texas has the easiest SEC schedule ever!” SEC fan bases after every one of their teams has lost to one or more SEC teams from the bottom half of the standings, many of whom Texas beat comfortably: 🤐

With a big win against the rival to close out the year… look to see Lamar make the playoffs next year