District 7-6A Preview: Coppell, Plano Schools & the Race for Playoff Spots

Carter Engelman already had college programs paying attention last season. Now, heading into his junior year, the Coppell quarterback has climbed to four-star status with some national rankings placing him among the top ten quarterbacks in the country. Offers are coming in from programs across the nation, and the expectation inside the program is that he's only getting better.

Coppell is the clear favorite in District 7-6A — a realigned district that absorbed Irving ISD schools out and brought Plano ISD schools in — but the Cowboys' path to a deep playoff run carries a question mark. After spending recent seasons in a district that included Denton Guyer, Lewisville, and Marcus, the competition level has shifted. Whether 7-6A will provide the same week-to-week preparation for a postseason push remains to be seen.

Engelman isn't carrying the load alone. Defensive end Aaron Isbell recorded eight sacks as a sophomore and returns as one of the more disruptive pass rushers in the classification. Running back Jaden George, a second-team all-district selection a year ago, gives the offense another weapon. The one area of concern is up front — the offensive line may not offer the same protection that some of Coppell's playoff-caliber opponents will have, meaning Engelman will need to use his downfield ability to stretch defenses.

Beyond Coppell, three playoff spots are genuinely up for grabs. Plano enters as the consensus second-best team in the district. Quarterback C.J. Smith showed growth in seven-on-seven this offseason, and the Brown brothers — Hayden and Cam — give him legitimate targets on the outside. Plano West went 6-4 last season and returns Blake Davis at quarterback along with a pair of capable offensive linemen in Aiden Raven and Cooper, keeping them in the conversation.

Lake Highlands has been a consistent playoff program, but graduated heavily and faces a real question at quarterback. Wide receivers Franklin Evans and Conrad — both standing 6-foot-3 or taller — give whoever takes snaps quality targets, but the answer under center will go a long way toward determining whether the Wildcats hold their usual spot in the standings.

Berkner and Richardson are both pushing for inclusion. Berkner returns defensive newcomer of the year Kayden Carter and lineman Mickey Jesse, giving them a strong foundation on that side of the ball. The question for the Rams is offensive consistency and who steps in at quarterback. Richardson's case rests heavily on Nick Walker, a Vanderbilt commit and one of the top offensive tackles in the country — ranked as high as 38th nationally and expected to climb. The concern for the Eagles is depth; if key contributors go down, the roster may not have enough behind them to absorb the losses.

Plano East also has a case for a playoff spot, headlined by a freshman running back who surpassed 1,000 yards last season and quarterback Josh Gordon. Two-time all-district honoree Javon Rogers and several other Division I prospects give the Panthers a legitimate foundation.

The projected district order: Coppell, Plano, Lake Highlands, Plano East, Berkner, Richardson, Plano West, and Plano. From second place through seventh, the margin is razor thin — one score, one injury, one turnover could flip the entire bracket heading into the postseason.