Permian’s long wait for the new season to begin will finally end this week.
The Panthers will begin their 2024 campaign with a home contest against Plano with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Ratliff Stadium.
Head coach Jeff Ellison enters his seventh season in charge of the Panthers.
Permian returns to the field after going 7-5 overall, 3-2 in District 2-6A play last season.
>> RIVALRY? The word “rivalry” gets tossed around all the time.
However, some Permian fans might want to reconsider calling this week’s meeting with Plano a rivalry reborn as the series between the Panthers and the Wildcats has so far been a one-sided affair with the two teams only meeting four times. Plano has won all four contests.
Regardless, there is history between the two sides as all four games between the two happened in the semifinal rounds in 1977, 1978, 1987 and 1994.
The last meeting resulted in a 10-0 win for Plano that took place on Dec. 3, 1994 at Ratliff Stadium before an estimated crowd of 14,800 fans.
Coached by Randy Mayes, that Permian team finished the year 10-4.
>> TIMES HAVE CHANGED: Plano hasn’t been as dominant recently, coming off a 2-8 overall, 0-7 in District 6-6A record from last year.
Coached by Cody White, the Wildcats are looking to improve this year as the team returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense.
Despite its recent struggles, the Wildcats have a rich history, going to nine state championship games and winning seven.
COULD NOW BE THEIR CHANCE? Permian’s recent record against schools in the metroplex hasn’t been great.
But with seven returning starters on offense and four on defense from last year’s playoff team, the Panthers could finally get their first win over Plano and end their current slip against schools from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Last year, Permian was eliminated from the area round by North Crowley, 63-10.
In 2021, the Panthers lost to Euless Trinity in the area round of the playoffs.
Permian managed a victory over Mesquite’s Poteet Pirates back on Sept. 17, 2021.
The basics
Plano (0-0) at Permian (0-0)
>> When: 7 p.m. Friday
>> Where: Ratliff Stadium
>> Last season: Did not play
>> Records: Plano 0-0; Permian 0-0
>> Radio: KHKX (FM-99.1)
