By Joseph Gipson | Lone Star Sports Report
October 29, 2026 | Frisco, Texas
Class 5A Division II — Region I, District 4

FRISCO, Texas — The Frisco Raccoons used a strong offensive performance in the first half and several big defensive plays to defeat Panther Creek 35–10 Thursday night at the Star in Frisco.

Explosive plays, penalties, and turnovers played a major role. Frisco’s defense came up with several important stops, and the Raccoons’ offense took advantage of its opportunities. That was the difference between a 35–10 final score and what could have been a much closer game.

Frisco Takes Control in the First Half

Frisco got on the scoreboard late in the first quarter when #3 Kason Cowan scored a rushing touchdown to give the Raccoons a 7–0 lead. Cowan added another ankle-breaking run in the second half. Although he didn’t score on the play, he turned what looked like a sure loss into a big gain.

The Raccoons’ defense also made several big plays early. #6 Antonio Reese intercepted a Panther Creek pass, his first of two interceptions on the night, while #44 Slade Leaumont came up with multiple huge tackles.

Panther Creek had an opportunity to get back into the game after #11 Sylas Chester recovered a Frisco fumble. The Panthers turned that opportunity into a field goal, cutting the lead to 7–3 with 7:28 remaining in the second quarter.

But as was the case all night, every time the Panthers started to build momentum, Frisco answered. Raccoons quarterback #4 Brenden Bounds connected with #11 Lowery Asel for a touchdown pass with 5:10 remaining in the half.

A few minutes later, Bounds found tight end #20 Baron Barker for another touchdown, extending Frisco’s lead to 21–3 with 2:22 remaining, a lead Frisco would take into halftime.

The Raccoons controlled much of the first half, outgaining Panther Creek 209–62 in total yards. Frisco finished the half with 136 rushing yards and 73 passing yards, while the Panthers managed just 18 yards on the ground and 44 through the air.

Panther Creek Responds in the Second Half

Early in the third quarter, the Panthers faced a big fourth down at midfield. After a timeout, they decided to gamble and go for it, but the pass fell incomplete. However, the Panthers were given new life when Frisco was called for defensive holding on the play. The penalty kept the drive alive and gave Panther Creek a first down at the Frisco 40-yard line.

On the following play, Panther Creek connected on a 40-yard touchdown pass. With just over eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, Frisco’s lead had been cut to 21–10.

But once again, the Raccoons answered immediately. A big kickoff return by #6 Antonio Reese gave Frisco the ball in Panther Creek territory. A few plays later, #25 Kam Anderson finished the drive with a rushing touchdown, extending Frisco’s lead to 28–10.

Panther Creek attempted to answer on its next possession. The Panthers put together another drive, moving the ball inside the Frisco 25-yard line. But once again, a turnover ended the drive. This time, it was a fumble by Panther Creek’s quarterback during a scramble, recovered by #0 Bradley Nuckols.

The Panthers’ defense responded with a three-and-out, forcing Frisco to punt late in the third quarter.

Reese Delivers the Decisive Defensive Play

Panther Creek put together another drive deep into Frisco territory in the fourth quarter. But once again, the drive ended with a turnover. This time, Frisco’s #6 Antonio Reese picked off a pass near the goal line and returned it for a Frisco touchdown. This was Reese’s second interception of the game.

The pick-six extended Frisco’s lead to 35–10 with 7:55 remaining in the game. In addition to his two interceptions, Reese also broke up multiple passes throughout the night.

Overall, Frisco played what might have been its best all-around game of the season. The offense was explosive when it needed to be, and the defense made stops when they mattered most.

Panther Creek showed signs of life at different points throughout the game. The Panthers’ offense moved the football, and their defense made multiple stops. But, in the end, costly turnovers and penalties were too much for Panther Creek to overcome.

Coach’s Perspective

The biggest difference in this game was Frisco’s ability to make plays when opportunities presented themselves. The offense scored early, and the defense made the key stops when needed.

You don’t need to be Bill Belichick to know that the team that turns the ball over the fewest times and plays the cleanest game usually wins. It sounds like a simple strategy, almost too simple. But football is a crazy game where even good teams sometimes do things they normally wouldn’t.

The early success of the Raccoons’ offense, combined with Panther Creek’s turnovers, made what could have been a close game look one-sided on the scoreboard.

But as I watched this game, one thing stood out to me. It became clear that the Raccoons’ defensive line was causing problems for the Panthers’ offense. Frisco consistently put pressure on the Panther Creek quarterback and forced him out of the pocket. As the game wore on, he appeared less comfortable.

Panther Creek will likely look back at the film and wonder what could have been without a few untimely penalties and, of course, the turnovers.

The Raccoons will watch the film and see that although they played well, they also had some costly penalties and missed opportunities.

But in the end, Frisco did what good teams do. Good teams limit the damage from their mistakes and make other teams pay for theirs. Tonight, Frisco took advantage of its opportunities, and its playmakers made plays.

The Raccoons got contributions from key players, made big stops when they had to, and did enough offensively to secure a well-deserved win over a good football team. This was especially true when Panther Creek cut the lead to 21–10. Frisco immediately answered with a big kickoff return and a touchdown. That’s the exact response good teams have.

Final Thoughts

Frisco earned a solid district win Thursday night over an opponent fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Raccoons played with a sense of urgency and purpose, sometimes a little too much, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the fourth quarter.

But as a former coach, I can tell you there are times when you understand where that emotion comes from. Football is an emotional game, and players are going to play with intensity. The key is making sure that intensity doesn’t become something that hurts your team.

Frisco made mistakes, but the Raccoons didn’t allow those mistakes to define their night.

The win puts Frisco in an excellent position at 7–2 overall and 6–1 in district play.

Panther Creek falls to 6–3 overall and 4–3 in district.

Final score: Frisco 35, Panther Creek 10.