Despite only leading 14-7 at half, the varsity football team scored 42 unanswered points and defeated the Naaman Forest Rangers, 42-7 on Sept. 6, 2013. In the second game of the season, the offense seemed to really work well, as did the defense. The captains of the game were senior Ahmad Muhammed, senior Anthony Maioriello, senior Denim Samson, and senior Stephon Browder.
Plano East kicked to start the game, however, Naaman Forest came out fired up and ready to score. After a 30-yard gain on first down, the Rangers struck first blood on a touchdown pass. The Panthers never lost focus, as senior Lionel Wills scored on the first possession for Plano East. Naaman Forest attempted to convert a fourth down, but the play did not work. East drove down the field and when faced with fourth-and-inches, decided to punt the ball to Naaman Forest. In what seemed like a “déjà-vu” moment, the defense once again forced a Naaman Forest turnover-on-downs. East once again was forced to punt, but this punt was blocked by Naaman Forest. The defense held up and Plano East got the ball back again. Junior Jaquan Douglas had a clutch run to help East avoid another fourth down. Denim Samson then made a great catch that resulted in a Panther first down. Then Samson struck again, this time scoring on a remarkable catch, making the score 14-7. The defense picked up where it left off, as it forced a Naaman Forest punt. But on first down for Plano East, the snap went over sophomore quarterback Miles Thompson’s head, putting the Panthers back 21 yards. But with the help of Anthony Maioriello’s unbelievable jukes and stutter steps, East was able to convert on a crucial third down. Plano East was within field goal range, but could not make the 41-yard field goal. Naaman started with the ball on the East 30, but a mere two plays later, senior defensive back Chris Smith made an interception to give East the ball back on their own 27-yard line. But Plano East could not score, so at halftime, the score was 14-7, Plano East.
The second half was the turning point of the game. Lionel Wills scored another touchdown to start the scoring of the second half. The score was 21-7 after Wills second touchdown of the night. On Naaman Forest’s very next possession, junior Landis Durham intercepted a pass and ran the ball in for a touchdown. As the student section for Plano East was going absolutely crazy, the score was 28-7. After another stout showing by the defense ending in a Naaman Forest punt, senior quarterback Keith Long ran the ball into the end zone for another touchdown. After the kick, the score was 35-7. Naaman Forest had not given up, and as a result, not converting on fourth down, allowing the Panthers to receive the ball where Naaman Forest was after fourth down. The Panthers were not done just yet, as Jaquan Douglas scored to make the score 42-7. After Douglas’ score, Naaman Forest finally yielded, and ran out the clock. The Panthers are now 2-0 on the season.
The next game is in honor of Zachary Scrach, who died from sudden cardiac arrest, so fans are encouraged to wear red. The game will be important to current students and Plano East alumni everywhere, as the Panthers will take on Lloyd V. Berkner High School for Homecoming, on Sept 13, at Kimborough Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
