Coming off its bye week, the Coppell football team travels to Joy and Ralph Ellis Stadium tonight to face MacArthur in the first District 6-6A this season at 7 p.m. 

The Cowboys (1-2) most recently played against Allen, when they fell after a close game. MacArthur (0-3) is also coming off a loss against L.D. Bell, which Coppell defeated in its home opener earlier in the season. 

“I feel really good,” Coppell junior offensive lineman Max Brasseaux said. “It’s going to be a test for us to see just how we are, but I think we’re going to come out on top because we’re just that kind of team.” 

Coppell, which has been playing junior quarterback Ryan Walker in the past two and a half games, will see the return of captain quarterback Kevin Shuman, recently off of concussion protocol. After a hit to the jaw and head during the season opener against Sachse, Shuman was forced to watch from the sidelines. 

“[I have been] just getting myself back in shape, in game shape, just getting back with the guys and learning the new plays we’ve installed for the past two weeks I haven’t been able to be there,” Shuman said. 

Shuman returned to practice last week. For the upcoming game, the Cowboys spent their bye week preparing. 

“It was a lot more relaxed than usual, but we still just deal with one game at a time, just focusing on Irving MacArthur,” Shuman said. “It wasn’t as intense. It was a…lighter schedule than we’re used to.” 

Learning from previous losses, characterized by failures to capitalize on opportunity as seen in the final quarters of the games against Sachse and Allen, Coppell is focused on strengthening its ability to finish. 

“We do really good at times and not really good at other times,” Brasseaux said. “We’re a little inconsistent more than anything.”  

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