FLOWER MOUND – Flower Mound Marcus quarterback Cole Welliver completed 14 of 17 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns to lead Marcus to a 50-7 victory over Plano East.

After Marcus (6-4, 5-2 District 6-6A) scored on its opening drive, the defense took over. Ayo Oluwole and Mason Whitesell had interception returns deep into Plano East territory of 61 and 28 yards, respectively, to set up two scores. Welliver connected with Aidan Grummer from 18 yards out, then Ben Perimutter scored on a 4-yard run for a 22-0 Marcus lead. In the final minute of the half, Plano East had first-and-goal from the Marcus 3-yard line but Marcus’s defense held firm to preserve a 22-7 halftime lead. Marcus finished the night with four interceptions including a 21-yard pick-six from Brock Golwas.

Marcus’s offense rode that momentum into the second half, scoring on their first three possessions to put the game out of reach.

Rushil Patel led Plano East (3-7, 0-7) with seven receptions, 146 yards and a touchdown.

Marcus had a special ceremony before the game. Their head coach, Kevin Atkinson, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a few years ago and the battle has gotten tougher this season. Coach Atkinson visited specialists at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota this week. Coach Atkinson is not retiring. The ceremony allowed the community to offer encouragement and recognize Coach Atkinson for the example he demonstrates to their players and fans of perseverance in adversity and his “never quit” spirit.

Marcus will start its postseason at Denton Guyer next week, with details on the matchup still being finalized.