Senior tight end Christian Searcy lines up in the back field as Coppell is trying new plays. A handoff, an open seam, and 25 yards later, Searcy puts the final score of the night as the news was on its way. 

34 seconds, then 12, then none. As the clock ticked down in the final minute, anticipation built on the Coppell sideline. The team waited to celebrate its third consecutive playoff berth under Coppell coach Antonio Wiley.

On Friday night, the Cowboys defeated Denton Braswell, 53-0, at Buddy Echols Field, clinching a playoff berth. The Cowboys now move to 8-0 and Braswell moves to 2-6. 

Coppell was careful not to let the Bengals high-powered offense get going throughout the game.

“They got a couple of big plays here and there, but for the most part we controlled the line of scrimmage and found ways to get them off the field on third down,” Wiley said.

The defense was not the only unit having a big night. Coppell senior running backs O’Marion Mbakwe and Joshua Lock combined for three touchdowns.

“It felt amazing to go out there and dominate with the run game,” Mbakwe said. “All I can really thank is God, my teammates and my offensive line. They came out today and they had some mess ups, but they bounced back and caused those big runs, so I’m thankful.”

It felt good to not only win, but record a shutout.

“It feels really good,” Lock said. “If we just execute in practice, do what we did all this week and go even further, I think we should have another shutout victory.”

Many players have already been through the playoffs, but going back a second time still holds its own meaning. 

“Last year we went to the playoffs, but to do it twice feels different,” Mbakwe said. “It’s history. I’m glad to be surrounded by guys that love the game as much as me. I’m just so thankful.”

The Cowboys play Flower Mound on Friday at Neal E. Wilson Jaguar Stadium at 7 p.m..

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