The Longivew Lobos kicked off the 1997 season at home aganist Waco in a game that was expected to feature two potent running attacks from teams known for their speed and quickness.

But the 1997 Lobos were also eager to display their improved aerial attack after going 9-4 in 1996 with a fouthful team and a new offensive game plan that featured a great balance between running and passing.

And it was defense that kept giving the Lobos a chance to display their offensive prowess as Longview forced four Waco turnovers. The offense took advantage of its many opportunities; racking up a 41-14 victory.

Quarterbacks Jay Hurst and Lee Nix both shone while directing the offense.

Hurst scored twice, the first one a one-yard keeper and the second after recovering one his own receiver's fumbles. Nix added a 70-yard scoring toss to Lee Jackson, while connecting on all four of his attempts for 109 yards in the opening half.

Combined, Hurst and Nix were 8 of 12 for 178 yards passing. The rushing game accounted for 144 yards. It was the first time in recent memory that Longview's passing yardard exceeded its rushing total.

Longview's unrelenting defense was led by a physical linebacker corps. Middle linebacker Leon Bell ripped the ball out of the arms of Lion running back Adrian Scott for the first fumble. Later, outside linebackers Jacob Pierce and Tracy Brooks fell on other Waco fumbles.

The Loobs wanted their defense to take control early so after winning the coin toss, they deferred to the second half. The defensive unit then put a clamp on Waco's offense in the opening two quarters, surrendering just 48 yards on the ground and 31 through the air.

Longview dominated the Lions in every phase of the season opener, with the special teams shining as brightly as teh offense and defense.

Tailback Fred Talley turned a reverse from Dexter Daniels on the second half kickoff into a 95-yard touchdown. Daniels fielded the kick at his own five-yard line and advanced it to the 11 before handing off to Talley, who sprinted untouched up the right sideline for his second touchdown of the game.

Talley finished with 70 yards on 13 carries in only two quarters of action. Daniels had also run backa punt 54 yards to set up the game's first touchdown for Longview.

The successful outcome was tempered for the Lobos with the temporary loss of Pierce, who the next week was discovered to have broken the fibula in his right leg. Pierce would not return to action until the sixth game, when he played sparingly againist Lufkin.