Plano East football is back and ready to play for the 2022 season.

With head coach Tony Benedetto taking over the program, the Panthers are hitting the ground running on the new season with new energy. The seniors are eager to leave their mark on the historic program in their final season and see further improvement from their 2021 mark. With several big games ahead, the Panthers open the season on the road against Rowlett at Homer B. Johnson Stadium in Garland.

Plano East will want to open the season with a victory, which could prove difficult against a tough opponent. Here are the three keys to Plano East winning their season opener against Rowlett on Aug. 26.

1. Slow down the QB-WR connection

Rowlett struggled to a 2-8 season in 2021, mainly because of the injury to quarterback Harris Boyd. The former Plano East signal caller missed most of the season after a strong start in the first three games but now is ready to have a strong senior season. He’s garnered several Divison I collegiate offers, including Indiana University.

Alongside Boyd is one of the most prolific wide receivers in the area last season in Corey Kirkland. The wideout led the team with 54 catches for 1,014 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season. Together, Boyd and Kirkland could be lethal for the Eagles.

For the Panthers to win their season opener, they’ll have to slow down that duo to start things off. Desmond Smith and Kason Kennerson are experienced defensive backs in the Panther secondary, and they’ll have to be up to the task in week one.

For the full story, see our Aug. 25 issue or subscribe online.