The Plano East Panthers (0-2, 1-4) are seeing progress, but are ready to win.

They’ll take on Plano West (0-2, 2-3), a playoff team last season. The Wolves have struggled out of the gate in district play. They’ve surrendered 98 points in their first two district games, struggling to get stops. The offense struggled in its most recent contest against Coppell, losing 34-7.

Between two rivals, either team can come out on top. Here are the three keys to Plano East defeating Plano West at Clark Stadium this Friday.

1. Stop the run

Plano West is a run-first football team. Against Coppell, the Wolves ran the ball 30 times compared to just 10 passes. Lewisville was the same story, with 47 runs compared to just 14 throws.

Dermot White at running back averages 7.5 yards per carry and has nine touchdowns rushing this season. Right behind him, quarterback Vance Feuerbacher has four touchdowns on the ground at 6.5 yards per carry. The duo is the key to Plano West’s offense.

For Plano East, the improved defensive line play has been the key to their better performances. Cedric Diggs, Aidan Miller, Chima Chineke and Braden Bergman held Hebron to just 91 yards rushing in their first district game and forced two fumbles out of Lewisville’s star running back Damien Martinez. If Plano East wins the game, it’ll start with those four players upfront.

For the complete story, see the Sept. 30 edition of the Murphy Monitor. Support your community newspaper for less than $40 a year.

By Kyle Grondin • [email protected]