Plano East will face Prosper in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

MURPHY – The Panthers (4-3, 6-4) closed out their season with a 30-18 victory over Marcus (4-3, 4-6) on Friday night at Kimbrough Stadium. It was a night where Plano East’s defense played terrific to the very last snap.

In the final seconds of the game, Plano East’s defense forced a fourth down inside their own 15-yard-line.

On the play, the Panthers forced Marcus quarterback Dane Parlin to scramble before being hit as he threw the football. The ball fell harmlessly into the arms of linebacker Kendall Keierleber, who returned it 78 yards for a touchdown with 38 seconds remaining. 

With the touchdown, a sigh of relief fell over the home crowd, followed by a wave of excitement. The win represented Plano East’s first winning season and playoff appearance since 2018. It also was the first time the Panthers beat Marcus in four years, after struggling in each of the last three with the Marauders.

The Panthers overcame a lot in the game. Senior quarterback Drew Devillier left the contest in the first half with an injury to his throwing arm. However, backup Jackson Hays came in and led the team to two touchdown drives in the victory. His final score was a 2-yard shovel pass to Jaylon Hatcher, giving the Panthers a 23-11 lead late in the contest.

With at least one more week of football, Plano East will face Prosper in the bi-district round of the state playoffs. The date and time for the game is to be determined.

For more on this game, see the next print or digital edition of the Murphy Monitor. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your area.

By Kyle Grondin  •  [email protected]