In last week’s 35-13 victory over Plano, Coppell’s defense was able to force multiple turnovers and control a Plano offense that could not break through the defensive pressure applied by the Cowboys. 

However, going into tomorrow’s District 6-6A clash against Plano West at John Clark Stadium with kickoff at 7 p.m., the Cowboys will have an opportunity to test its defensive credentials against a top offensive opponent. 

The area-ranked offense of Plano West (2-2, 0-1 in District 6-6A), led by junior running back Dermont White has been on a tear this season, averaging 242 yards rushing per game and 38 points per game. White alone has contributed 548 yards and nine touchdowns.

“They have some big boys [in their offensive line] and I suspect that’s why [White] is doing so well,” Coppell defensive coordinator Chris Lackey said. “He’s a good athlete and he is a good player. They’re a good football team, we’ll have to play hard and get after them.”

Film study has emphasized the importance of play assignments and execution of play calls for the Cowboys (2-2. 1-0) while playing physical on the defensive side to not only limit White’s impact on the game, but to hinder the Wolves’ offense as a unit. 

A potential area of concern has been raised about the Cowboys’ ability to stop the big plays, highlighted in losses to Prestonwood Christian Academy and Highland Park, as well as against Plano. Some of the plays through the three games were attributed to busted coverages and Coppell uses those plays as lessons to improve on its defensive game plan. 

“We have to continue to be physical and we have to preach physicality, being gap sound, flying to the football and creating turnovers and if we do that, we have a good chance,” Lackey said. “It’s always important to, defensively, limit big plays. If you can limit big plays and get turnovers, you’re [probably] going to win the football game. It’s always something that we preach: limit the big plays, keep them in front of you and make tackles.”  

Friday’s game also marks the start of a period where Coppell will face three area-ranked opponents in the span of four games. Going into this period 2-0 with a win over Plano West would be huge for the Cowboys as the playoff picture develops.

“We want to win every game, especially the district ballgames, because these are the ones that count and these are the ones that matter when it comes down to who gets into playoffs and seeding,” Coppell coach Michael DeWitt said. “This is the biggest game of the season for us because it is the one we are playing this week and that’s been our mindset each week. Our focus is that we want to win this game and it doesn’t matter if we are playing Plano West or any of the other teams we are playing, we want to win it.” 

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