In Head Coach and Athletic Director Randy Jackson’s debut, the varsity football team defeated the Garland Owls varsity football team, 28-20 on Aug. 30th. The Owls were ranked 151 in the state while the Panthers were ranked at 100. The Panthers showed a new look, hurry-up offense in which the offense does not huddle. This innovative offensive strategy worked for East, as many Garland players looked tired and lethargic after the first half.

The captains of the game were senior Jameal Hampton, senior Austin Palisch, senior Brice McLeod and senior CJ White. The up-tempo offense of East showed off what it could do when senior quarterback Keith Long led the team down the field on the first series of the game. Senior running back Lionel Wills scored the first touchdown of the game with a six-yard touchdown run. As Garland received the football, the defense of East showed the Owls that the offense wasn’t the only thing that was improved. On two occasions, the referees signaled that Plano East had regained possession of the football. The first time was ruled not a fumble, but the second time was ruled a fumble. From there, senior wide receiver Malik Simmons caught a touchdown from sophomore quarterback Miles Thompson to give the Panthers a 14-point lead. Thompson led the team the rest of the game, keeping the lead in check. At one point in the second quarter, the score was 14-13 East, just barely holding on to the lead. However, Thompson threw a pass to senior wide receiver Shawn Franks who ran 60 yards for a touchdown that gave Plano East some breathing room with an eight-point lead. But right before halftime, Garland scored again, making it a one-point game.

Early in the third quarter, Wills scored again on a 10-yard touchdown reception. But after that, the two teams played much better defense. East forced Garland to punt on a crucial possession in the fourth quarter. Then, with only minutes left to play, the defense forced a turnover from the Owls, effectively ending the game. When the clock turned to three zeroes, the final score was 28-20, Plano East. This gave Coach Jackson his first win as a Panther. The team faces Naaman Forest on Sept. 6 at Kimbrough at 7:30 p.m.

Panthers Win In Jackson’s Debut