Nacogdoches Dragons off to strong start, eyes return to playoffs for first time since 2021

NACOGDOCHES, Texas ( KETK ) – The Nacogdoches Dragons football team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021 and hasn’t beaten rival Lufkin since 2014.

The Dragons are off to a strong start in head coach Darby House’s second year at the helm and hope to check both off their list this season.

“We’re gonna grow fast and we’re gonna play through it. These kids have bought into what we wanna do. They’ve bought into the weight room. They’ve bought into the offseason,” House said.

After a full offseason and the Dragons’ 34-17 triumph over Palestine in week one, House sees his players taking that next step after a year in his system.

Nacogdoches beat Palestine right out of the gate last year too but the Dragons lost a few tight games down the stretch, so House and his players are eager to flip the script this time around.

“Our goal is to go into district, compete, win district ballgames. Stop losing the three to five…we lost two by three one by five. Stop losing those games. Start winning those and then turn up and look and we’re hosting a playoff game,” House said.

The Dragons travel down Highway 59 to face rival Lufkin in week two.

“They’re a great football team. Defensively they’re solid. They’ve got a lot of great pieces. Lot of pieces coming back offensively. They’re loaded at the skill,” House said.

Nacogdoches knows they’re the underdog heading into Friday night’s showdown at Abe Martin Stadium but they’re ready to shock some people.

“Just play our game of football. Go play-by-play. Everything’s not gonna go our way. Just keep our head up and go on to the next play,” Nacogdoches senior quarterback Tyren Mathews said.

Mathews, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback gives the Dragons more than a fighter’s chance against heavyweights like Lufkin.

He had over 700 total yards as the Dragons’ running back last season, along with 51 tackles at safety, and he is playing quarterback for the first time at Nacogdoches.

Mathews is ready to lead the Dragons offense and credits House for giving him the confidence to be the starting signal caller.

“Learning from him, you know, he’s great. He used to play QB back in his day so yeah it’s good working with him and I love it now,” Mathews said.

With Mathews breathing fire into the Dragons offense and hungry young talent across the board, House is ready to get Nacogdoches football back in the playoffs.

“We expect it to happen so we’re gonna….we’re changing the culture and it starts with our mindset and our mindset right now is we’re gonna make the playoffs,” House said.

Nacogdoches (1-0) plays at Lufkin (0-1) Friday, September 6. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Abe Martin Stadium.

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