The Leopards (6-3 overall, 4-2 in district) close the regular season against McKinney High (3-6, 1-5) at Ron Poe Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Although LHS has locked up a playoff spot, head coach Ryan Cox said the outcome of the game could affect the team emotionally.

“[A win this week would help with] momentum, and confidence,” Cox said. “Even though it doesn’t affect us getting in or getting out the playoffs, it does have a bearing on seeding.”

The Leopards had a loss against Wylie (5-5, 4-2), 34-31 in a shootout last Thursday. The Leopards kicked a field goal, and recovered an onside kick to eventually score a touchdown with 51 seconds left. Wylie drove down the field, and ended up kicking a 43-yard field goal with one second left to win the game.

To get ready for the playoffs, the Leopards practiced hard all week before school.

“Our preparation is our preparation,” Cox added. “Our routine is the routine we stay with and just the only thing we do differently is we point out things that are the focus of the week.”

Last week, McKinney High lost to Prosper (5-4, 3-3) 59-28. McKinney quarterback Tyree Johnson threw for 166 yards and one touchdown. Running back Matt Gadek rushed for 116 yards and one score. Receiver Joseph Robinson caught for 121 yards in five attempts, and one touchdown.

Senior defensive back and receiver Dakota Michaels said the team is not changing its schedule in preparation for the upcoming games.

“[We’re] just taking everything week by week and not trying to look ahead,” Michaels said.

Senior quarterback Bowman Sells threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns against Wylie. Michaels, filling in for injured senior Aaron Fuller, caught for 225 yards and two scores, including the game-tying 42-yard touchdown catch with 51 seconds left in the game.