2016 was another promising year for Plano East as they appeared in the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Even though both seasons ended in first-round exits, the Panthers remained as competitive as ever and nearly gave Allen their first loss to them in 17 years in a thrilling district matchup back in late October. Plano East has now put much of the district on notice and is showing that they are no longer the team that missed out on the playoffs for five consecutive seasons prior to 2015.
With East’s rising stock in District 6-6A, much of what has become to be known as Allen’s territory will begin to feel the expansion of Plano East as it further aims to increase upon the success they have experienced the past two seasons.
Of course, Plano East will have some major ground to cover with some monumental cogs in the wheel being lost to graduation with the likes of Anthony Hines III and Miklo Smalls and their presence on the field now part of the Plano East archives. That said, will the returning players be enough firepower moving into next season to once again propel themselves into the playoffs and possibly win this time?
Key Departures
QB Miklo Smalls, WR Cameron Moore, DL Grayson Diepenbrock, LB Anthony Hines III
Not much more could be said about the Class 6A All-State Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Hines III and what he meant to this team. His defensive prowess, along with Grayson Diepenbrock, helped Plano East immensely throughout the season.
Quarterback Miklo Smalls who also lead the team in rushing had 3,500 total yards of offense and 34 touchdowns (16 passing, 18 rushing) and will be a major shoe to fill for the next quarterback up. Leading receiver Cameron Moore will also need to be replaced after piling up 56 catches for 762 yards and four touchdowns.
Key Returners
RB Jonathan Meadors, WR Braylon Henderson, OL Trey Hempstead
Meadors was a 1,000 yard back last season and will be a major focal point on offense heading into next season and will have offensive lineman Trey Hempstead leading the way of what should be a physical offensive line next year. Wide receiver Braylon Henderson should also provide a reliable target on offense after producing 675 receiving yards on 35 catches and five touchdowns.
Verdict
Even though Plano East is losing some noticeable talent on both sides of the ball, the expectations for Plano East has been set. This team now operates under the mindset of garnering more and more postseason accolades and they are sure to let other teams notice that they are now a team to be reckoned with. Expect Plano East to once again put together a six-plus win season but this time around, the postseason march of Plano East will begin to generate more momentum.
