PROSPER – Plano East’s third-down offense and defense struggled in a 42-14 loss to Prosper Rock Hill Friday night.

Rock Hill (1-2) scored on five consecutive possessions in the first half, capitalizing on third-down conversions most of the evening. Late in the first half, the Blue Hawks converted a third-and-16 deep in Panther (2-1) territory and scored on third and goal two plays later to take a 28-0 lead. 

After East failed to convert and had to punt away, Rock Hill’s trickery caught Plano East by surprise, as a double pass from receiver Victor Boelscher connected with Chionuma for a 37-yard score, putting Rock Hill up 35-0 before the half.

In the second half, Rock Hill quarterback Christian Lewis connected with Bryce Allen for his second passing touchdown. He threw for 131 yards and two scores on just 20 attempts, with Allen his leading receiver for the game.

Plano East put together two late scoring drives, as running back Akanai Cruz-Berrios finished with 91 yards and two scores for the game. He impressed toward the end of the game, scoring his first two touchdowns of his young Panther career.

The team now heads into the bye week as the Panthers look to regroup for district play. That starts on Sep. 22, as Plano East faces crosstown rivals Plano.

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By Kyle Grondin, Special Contributor • [email protected]