Andrew Earls (1) and CJ Chaloux (53) celebrate during the Panthers 55-27 win at Royse City. Photo by Roosevelt Joubert, Murphy Monitor

ROYSE CITY – Offense, defense and special teams all made an impact in Plano East’s road win. 

Jumping out to an early 17-0 advantage in the first quarter, the Panthers (1-0) capitalized on several chances to win 55-27 over Royse City (0-1) on Friday night from Royse City ISD Stadium.

Early on, quarterback Jackson Hays’ flip pass to Chance Ables was the opening touchdown of the season for the Panthers, who led 10-0 after two possessions. Two plays later, Andrew Earls ran an interception back 60 yards for the third score. It was the first of four Plano East interceptions in the game.

Royse City continued to fight, however, battling back with a quick score to cut it to 17-6 in the first. After a Plano East snap on a punt and a Hays interception, Royse City quickly took a 20-17 lead with just over four minutes left in the first half. 

East responded quickly, scoring on a 16-yard pass to Jackson Howard to regain the lead, followed by Ricky Perez-Bahena’s interception return and Blake Letourneau’s last second 45-yard field goal putting the Panthers up 14 at the break. 

That was part of 38 unanswered points for Plano East, who cruises into their home opener next Friday night against North Forney.

For more on this story see the Sept 5, 2024 digital edition or the Murphy Monitor. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

By Kyle Grondin •  [email protected]