The Plano East Panthers closed out non-district play 0-3 after a 23-17 loss to Jesuit.

Only a safety separated the teams with the Rangers leading 16-14 right before the half.  But, Jesuit scored on a quarterback keeper to widen the lead, 23-14 to end the second quarter scoring.

Plano East did not allow a point in the second half and scored on a field goal attempt to trail 23-17.

Late in the fourth quarter, after a defensive stop, the Panthers had a chance to tie the game with 21 seconds to go at the Jesuit 11. They failed to convert a long fourth and goal giving Jesuit the win.

Despite the tough start, head coach Joey McCullough says these games do not affect the playoffs going into district and the team’s fight is what he is most proud of.

“Those games have no bearing upon us making the playoffs or not,” said McCullough. “That’s exactly what I told them. I appreciate their fight tonight, I thought they fought hard and we put a whole game together.”

He said the team made great adjustments at half time even though the depth for the Panthers is not there. With the break coming up, McCullough said the team has time to clear some things up and get healthy to start district.

The Panther’ host the Hebron Hawks Oct. 23 at Kimbrough Stadium to start district.

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By Derdrick White  •  [email protected]