On Saturday at 2 p.m., Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield hosts two of the top football teams in Texas. On one end is state-ranked No. 3 and national rank No. 9 North Crowley (12-0) with its offense averaging 59 points per game On the other side, Coppell (12-0) is ranked No. 7 in the state.

For Coppell, it faces two running backs with senior UNLV commit Cornelius Warren as well as senior SMU commit Daniel Bray. Warren and Bray run behind a highly-recruited offensive line.

“It is definitely going to be a challenge,” senior running back Josh Lock said. “We definitely have to prepare a lot more than we are used to.”

With Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin leading the Cowboys, he is going to need support on the offensive front facing a top defensive line in the state. 

“Coach Wiley has been telling us all week that we need to get off the bus ready to go,” Lock said. “There are no slow starts anymore and we have to be able to come out and shut them down.” 

As it is a week 14 game, injuries and fatigue can start to be a factor for both teams. 

“Our mental focus has to be 100%,” Lock said. “If our mentality is high, it does not matter how tired we are physically because we want this more than anyone.”

Coppell brings a high-scoring offense as well, averaging 45 points per game.

“We both have 12-0 schedules and tough schedules at that,” Lock said. “Being called an underdog at this stage is almost disrespectful and extremely motivating for our team to go out, play our best game, and prove everyone wrong.” 

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