PLANO — Coppell showed Friday night that it can win more than one kind of game.

After posting lopsided district victories over Berkner and JJ Pearce, the Cowboys faced a four-quarter test from Plano at Clark Stadium. Coppell responded with a dominant rushing performance from Jayden George, timely defensive stops and a late touchdown drive to earn a 26-10 victory.

The win moved Coppell to 3-0 in district play and set up a matchup next week against Lake Highlands, which also enters the game undefeated in district.

George carried the Cowboys’ offense. He rushed 30 times for 198 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. His third touchdown came with 1:55 remaining and capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive that sealed the win.

Plano struck first when Cameron Brown broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter. It was the first time Coppell had trailed in district play this season.

The Cowboys answered with George’s first touchdown run, but two unsuccessful two-point conversion attempts and a late fumble allowed Plano to keep the game close. Coppell took a 12-10 lead into halftime.

The Cowboys’ defense took control after the break.

Plano opened the second half with a missed 43-yard field-goal attempt. Shortly afterward, quarterback Carter Zingelmann threw his first interception of the season, giving the Wildcats possession at the Coppell 10-yard line. The Cowboys’ defense answered with a four-down stand and kept Plano out of the end zone.

Plano later missed a 47-yard field goal, and the Wildcats did not score in the second half.

Coppell’s biggest offensive play came early in the fourth quarter. Zingelmann connected with Jacob Anene for a 70-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 19-10. Anene finished with three catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Plano’s student section directed “overrated” chants at Zingelmann during the game. The junior did not need a record-setting stat line to answer them. After throwing his first interception of the season, Zingelmann stayed composed and delivered the game’s most important offensive play: a 70-yard touchdown pass to Anene that gave Coppell the breathing room it needed. In a difficult road game, he showed that his value is not limited to eye-popping numbers.

Zingelmann completed 11 of 18 passes for 168 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Although it was not the statistical performance he posted against JJ Pearce, Zingelmann made the throw the Cowboys needed when he found Anene for the long touchdown.

Anthony Lewis ended Plano’s final serious threat with an interception in the end zone with 6:48 remaining. The takeaway was Lewis’ team-leading fourth interception of the season.

Coppell’s defense received contributions throughout the lineup. Madden Montague recorded nine tackles and a sack. Lucas Campbell made eight tackles and had a tackle for loss, while Jaden Bibbs added six tackles and a tackle for loss. Qor’Darrius Udeh and Lincoln Gardner each recorded a sack, and Aaron Isbell finished with two tackles for loss.

The Cowboys totaled 400 yards of offense, including 232 yards on the ground. Coppell’s offensive line created room for George throughout the night and helped the Cowboys control the game when the outcome remained in doubt.

The victory gave Coppell a different kind of confidence. The Cowboys did not need a perfect night to win. They needed to answer adversity, rely on their defense and finish a close game. Those are the kinds of lessons that can matter most as district play continues.