Longview head coach John King's message at the 2016 Lobo Booster Club football banquet was one that started four years ago.
King, speaking to the Class of 2017, praised the dedication and fight to the seniors on his team.
'We're moving back to Class 6A in 11-6A, one of the toughest districts in the state, we lost 44 seniors from a year ago,' King said to the crowd at Mobberly's Elevation building. 'There were people outside of this program what didn't we had a chance to play for a district title and the postseason.
'This group, I remember when they were freshmen, and how we all worked so hard to get it going. Such a tough class and one that loved one another, loved playing next to one another and together, with their leadership, we shared a district title and went to the postseason for the 16th-straight season.'
As part of the banquet, King and the Lobo staff announced the 2016 permanent team captains: defensive back Traveion Webster, lineman Kendall Starling, quarterback Gaylon Wiley. Webster was also tabbed as the Defensive MVP while Wiley took offensive honors. Ben Nguyen was selected as the Scholastic MVP and was honored for his selection on the THSCA Academic All-State football team.
King's message then shifted to the underclassmen, which includes 39 returning lettermen and 12 returning starters. The 2016 freshman team went 9-0 and the junior varsity team went 9-1 with both squads picking up district titles.
'It's time to gather and grind,' King he added.
Eight Lobos are expected to sign on National Signing Day on Feb. 1.
Spring football begins April 24 with the annual Green-White Game set for May 16.