MURPHY – In the final minute of a back-and-forth Friday night at Kimbrough Stadium, Plano had the ball with a chance to tie or win against Plano East.

The Panthers (3-1, 1-0 in 6-6A) had lost its last seven games against their crosstown rivals. The Wildcats (2-2, 0-1 in 6-6A) had the momentum following a third down stop. Instead, it was Plano East’s senior class that led the way.

Excel Oleru had an interception and a fumble recovery, but his fourth-down stop was the biggest play as Plano East defeated Plano 31-28 Friday night. 

Plano East got the final stop on 4th-and-2 with 1:05 remaining to seal its first district win of the season. Josh Palma caught a 16-yard touchdown pass to put Plano East up 31-21 in the fourth quarter, the game-winning score. 

Plano East Quarterback Drew Devillier threw for three touchdown passes and two interceptions, bouncing back with two fourth-quarter scoring drives after an interception in the end zone. His top target was Caden Warner, who had 152 yards on six catches, including a 70-yard touchdown in the first half.

For every Plano East touchdown, Plano managed to answer, however, as Sergio Burrusquieta scored twice in the fourth quarter to keep the game within a field goal. Plano led early in the game after scoring on its opening drive, rushing for all four touchdowns. They fell behind in the second quarter after Warner’s 70-yard score and failed to regain the lead.

Following the win, Plano East travels to Hebron (2-2, 0-1 in 6-6A) for their next district contest.

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By Kyle Grondin • [email protected]