Football previews provided by Dave Campbell's Texas Football
Plano East Panthers8-5A
Coach: Johnny Ringo.
Lettermen R/L: 26/38.
2009: 7-4 DI area finalist/5-1 district.
Starters returning O/D: 5/6.
Players to watch: C Jacob Brendel (6-5, 270, 4.8), S Lyndell Johnson (6-4, 195, 4.5), WR Ryan Garrey (5-9, 180, 4.6), WR Gabe Dunlap (5-9, 170, 4.6), OLB Sam Trotter (5-9, 180, 4.5), NG Darius Hood (5-10, 260, 4.9), S Kyle Foster (6-0, 180, 4.7). OT Walter Rampy (6-2, 210, 4.7).
Top juniors: WR Tre Jones (5-9, 180), DB Corey Bassett (5-7, 150), RB Dante' Taylor (5-9, 170).
Top sophomores: QB Richard Lagow (6-4, 180).
Other prospects: DE T.K. Ncube, NG Shawn Boyd, DE Roman Samigullin, LB Kyle Koenig, DB Dionte Taylor, K/P James Saulnier, OLB Jurez Nolen, S Dakota Smith, OL Ty Gatson, QB Corey Wesley.
2010 notes: The Panthers have the talent to compete for the district title if they can get strong play from the quarterback position. QB Wesley is the top candidate for that job after starting for the 7-3 JV last season. The rest of the lineup is solid, led by C Brendel on offense and S Johnson (72 tackles, 4 INTs) on defense. WR Garrey missed last year with a shoulder injury but was the top receiver as a sophomore. WR Dunlap (36-744, 9 TDs) took over that role last season. OLB Trotter (79 tackles), NG Hood and S Foster (34 tackles) are defensive leaders. Other key players include athletic OT Rampy and speedy WR Jones (13.5 yards per catch).
