5A DII Semifinal: PN-G Indians vs. Liberty Hill Panthers
Friday, Dec. 9, 7:00PM, Katy Legacy Stadium
December 4. 2022
By IndianFan
December 12, 1999 was the last date that a PN-G football team and their faithful fans made the trip to a state semifinal game. The occasion was a contest with the Schertz Clemens Buffaloes at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.
Approximately 30,000 fans, most wearing purple and white, invaded Kyle Field that day to watch PN-G continue their quest for the schools fourth state championship.
The Indians prevailed in that game by a score of 16-13. A memorable fourth quarter drive orchestrated by All-State quarterback Dustin Long and a cast of offensive talent, and a final stand by a relentless PN-G defense was the lasting memory of that day. That game is now part of PN-G legend.
Fast forward 8,339 days, 260 games, 166 wins, 94 losses, 8 district championships, 35 playoff games and 2 new coaches since that day in history, and the Indians are back in the semifinals once again. One of only 4 teams remaining in the 5A Division II playoffs.
The December 9th matchup scheduled with the 2021 state finalist Liberty Hill Panthers will take place at Katy ISD’s Legacy Stadium.
And once again, for the ninth time in program history, the PN-G Indians will take a shot at reaching the pinnacle of Texas high school football, the Texas State Championship game.
Like 1999, the 2022 season has the feel of destiny. Stocked with talent at every position, these modern day PN-G Indians are capable and committed. They are a force to be reckoned with.
Going into the game, the Indians very well may or may not be the favorite to win. But regardless of the outcome, the community and alumni are proud of every one of the 2022 players and coaches. And proud of every student that contributes to the Friday Night Experience. Much appreciation should also be expressed towards the staff, parents and organizations that help make it all possible.
The continuing success achieved by the ’22 Indians this season is a culmination of countless hours of preparation and practice by all. They have represented the Port Neches and Groves communities as well as all of SE Texas with honor and pride. And the tradition of excellence continues.
Honor, Pride, Tradition. Those are not empty words or a simple catch phrase. It’s a phrase that represents decades of hard work, commitment to excellence and achievement. It’s what high school athletics, and the PN-G Indians are all about.
PN-G Semifinals History (6 wins 2 losses)
1953* Port Neches 7, Edinburg 7 (Indians advanced on tie breaker)
1954 Port Neches 44, McAllen 14
1955* Port Neches 20, Garland 14
1974 Port Neches-Groves 7, Brazoswood 14
1975* Port Neches-Groves 28, San Antonio Lee 0
1976 Port Neches-Groves 7, San Antonio Churchill 13
1977 Port Neches-Groves 19, San Antonio Lee 0
1999 Port Neches-Groves 16, Schertz Clemens 13
*Eventual State Champions
Football History and Tradition
Playoff History
All-Time Scores
