From 0-0 to 8-1 this year’s message has remained unchanged: not this year, not like this, we win together. The Coppell football team understands it is already in the playoffs, but its approach and message remains uncompromising.

Coppell’s final regular season District 6-6A clash comes against Plano (4-5, 3-4 in 6-6A), at Buddy Echols Field tonight at 7 p.m. Tonight’s game was moved from Friday due to potential inclement weather.

Despite already qualifying for the playoffs and this game having minimal impact on their tangible playoff chances, the Cowboys remain focused.

“We just want to send a message,” Coppell senior defensive lineman Gabe Warren said. “We aren’t here to win when it’s convenient; We are here to win every time we step on the field.

According to senior linebacker Ike Odimegwu, this year’s team thinks, acts and prepares like winners: its mentality and approach doesn’t change regardless of the opponent.

“Our mentality is completely different, in the best way possible,” Odimegwu said. “Last year we were thinking and acted like losers, but this year we are thinking like winners. We enter every game expecting to win and do everything in our power to make sure that happens.”

Warren said the Wildcats are capable of making big plays offensively, notably on outside run plays. 

“We want to finish the year off 9-1,” Warren said. “We already lost a game we didn’t want to lose and that really put some fire in us – we are trying to make sure we don’t feel that way again. Because we really think of ourselves as winners, it’s a new mindset, and it’s what we’ll keep through Plano and the playoffs.”

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