With the McKinney North Bulldogs (4-1 overall, 1-1 in district) coming to town Friday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., the Leopards (4-1, 2-0) face their most challenging district opponent so far.

“They are good, but we have a great plan for them though,” head coach Ryan Cox said. “I am very pleased with our preparation this week.”

The Leopards shut down Sherman’s Homecoming after defeating them 45-14 last Friday. The Leopards managed to maintain the lead all four quarters, and shut out Sherman for the first three. The two final and only scores for Sherman were from receiver Maliq’ Owens.

Cox said the team has been reviewing film and making adjustments in preparation for the Bulldogs.

“We will do some things the same, but we have new stuff too,” Cox said. “Film is always important to our planning process. Should be a good game.”

McKinney North won last week’s game against Prosper (3-2, 1-1) with a score of 46-18. North relied on the ground game, finishing with 297 rushing yards. Running back Micah Bualicex ran for 120 yards and one touchdown. Another player to watch is running back KJ Hart, who ran for 117 yards and three touchdowns.

Last season, McKinney North rallied with a 21-point fourth quarter to take a 59-52 win over the Leopards.

Offensively, the Leopards are prepared for a Bulldog defense that has allowed less than 20 points three times this season, but was exposed in a 72-43 loss to Wylie East two weeks ago.

“Coach Priem and Coach Poynter have really been pushing us [O-line] beyond our limits for our challenge up front this week,” senior offensive tackle Bailey Smith said. “But we’re gonna stick to our roots and come out fired up and ready to play.”

In last week’s game, senior wide receiver Aaron Fuller finished with 91 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback Bowman Sells threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns.