With all of the challenges at hand, Plano East’s season is coming to an end.

The Panthers (1-5, 2-7) end the regular season and its 2021 against Marcus (5-1, 7-2). The Marauders are currently in a three-way record tie with a lot to play for in the season’s final week. The Panthers won’t back down on a senior night with the team battling to see out the season.

While Plano East is still missing several injured players, coach Joey McCullough said the team would refuse to back down. Here are the three keys to Plano East defeating Marcus.

1. Contain Jaxon Warren

Replacing four-star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Marcus’ passing game faced questions entering 2021. Nussmeier finished with over 8,000 yards passing and 83 touchdowns during his career, and so far, Jaxon Warren has managed to live up to his expectations.

Warren has thrown for 1,980 yards and 20 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He also spreads the ball around well, with five different receivers having over 100 yards and a touchdown. That production has Marcus on the verge of a district championship.

If Plano East wants to win this game, they’ll need to slow down the passing game. The Panthers’ secondary has a difficult test.

For the complete story, see the Nov. 4 edition of the Murphy Monitor. Support your community newspaper for less than $40 a year.

By Kyle Grondin • [email protected]