The odds are stacked against the Plano East Panthers. 

Plano East (1-4, 2-6) still has an outside chance to reach the playoffs, but needs a lot to go in its favor. That starts with this Friday against Coppell (2-3, 3-5). The Cowboys are one of the few teams ahead of the Panthers in the district standings and have a challenging offense to face late in the season. 

With just a couple games left in the season, the injured Panthers will want to end the season on a high note. Here are the three keys to Plano East defeating Coppel on the road. 

1. Contain Dylan Nelson

Nelson is one of the few big game playmakers in the Coppell offense. Through eight games this season, the Cowboy averages over five yards per carry and over 12 yards per reception. He’s currently at a team-high 912 yards and six touchdowns. 

Containing Nelson from getting big plays is no easy task for the Panthers, but it will significantly hurt the Cowboy offense. With Naythanuel Morgan set to return to the field for Plano East, his ability as the No. 1 cornerback on the depth chart will be to slow him down. If Morgan and the rest of the secondary can limit Nelson’s ability, it gives Plano East a chance to win.

For the complete story, see the Oct. 28 edition of the Murphy Monitor. Support your community newspaper for less than $40 a year.

By Kyle Grondin • [email protected]