photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph John Tyler's (3) Jolenne Calleja and Lufkin's (14) McKenzi Crager compete for the ball during their game at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium Friday night.

LUFKIN — John Tyler’s comeback ran out of time in a 3-2 loss to Lufkin on Friday night in the District 16-5A finale. The Lions (10-8-5, 5-6-1 District 16-5A) will enter the playoffs as the No. 4 seed and play next Thursday against either Mount Pleasant or Pine Tree, who play on Monday night.

The District 16-5A champion Panthers took a 2-0 lead early in the second half on a PK and scored another on a mishit clearance.

The Lions grabbed their first goal via a deflection off a Lufkin player. Jose Paz had his shot blocked by the Panthers goalie only for Luis Duran to pick the ball up and dribble around the keeper.

However Duran’s left-footed shot caromed off the post before bouncing back into play where a Lufkin defender accidently knocked it into the net.

Duran then made it 3-2 just before the final whistle with a hammering free kick from the edge of the area.

In the JV game, John Tyler beat Lufkin 1-0 to finish the season second in District 16-5A.

Gaspar Avilles, who led the team with 13 goals on the year, scored the game’s lone goal for the Lions (6-2-1 District 16-5A).JT outscored league foes 24-7 in nine games.