In the final non-district game for both teams, Permian will travel to Abilene to take on the Cooper Cougars at Shotwell Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.
The Panthers (2-2) enter the contest coming off a 27-25 loss to Harker Heights in an effort that was filled with penalties and mental mistakes. The Cougars (1-3) fell to Lubbock Coronado 27-21 in their game last week. Their only win this season was in a high scoring affair (53-45) with San Angelo Central. Cooper also fell to Abilene High 26-7 in Week 2, while Permian absorbed a 49-14 loss to the Eagles the prior week.
It has also been a year of going through growing pains for Cooper as the inexperienced group returned only five starters from each side of the ball.
A pair of juniors drive the Cougar offense – running back Daniel Bray and quarterback Austin Cummins. Bray is a speedster in open field and has already received offers from Texas Tech, Iowa, and North Texas. He is also listed as a top Track & Field prospect from the Class of 2026.
Senior running backs Troneal Robinson and Christian Rico, along with sophomore receiver Jaden Carrillo and senior wide out Jaylen Parker could also factor into the offensive mix.
Defensively, Cooper has a solid defensive lineman in Dycin Davis. He’s just a sophomore, but is also already getting collegiate looks from Baylor, Iowa, North Texas, and Texas. He’s listed among the top defensive ends in the state as a pass rusher. Another notable force on the Cougar defense is linebacker Eric Tonche.
Sophomore defensive line Alejandro Ibarra and junior defensive back Zavian Alexander have been making their presence known the past few games. A heavy dose of Permian’s running game could take a toll of this defense in the second half.
Last meeting – Permian 56, Cooper 28
2023 Best Guess – Panthers by 8
Live stream of the game will be provided by the Abilene ISD.
Shotwell Stadium
