SHERMAN, Texas (KTEN)- Sherman earned its first victory of the 2023 season in a 36-28 double overtime thriller against Princeton.

Quarterback Caleb Orr threw for 306 yards, while running back Kane Bowen finished with three total touchdowns, including the game-winning score.

But now, the Bearcats must turn their focus to district play. They will face Frisco Centennial on the road on Thursday.

A nine team district means that non-district play is especially short, so head coach Josh Aleman knows that every second his team has together is crucial.

"It's a little different than what I'm accustomed to. You got two games to get ready, but every game counts, every rep counts out here in practice," Aleman said. "It's all about the preparation you put in, especially with a short week. We can't be overcomplicated. Our kids just got to line up and be confident in what they're doing and play ball."

And with the playoff spots likely to be decided by a thin margin, Sherman's players know how important it is to get district play off to a good start against a team they narrowly lost to a year ago.

"These are the ones that count. Obviously the last ones counted, but these are the ones that will push us to the playoffs," Sherman senior left tackle Rylan Jernigan said. "We're out here working. We got a good game plan, and we're going to get the win."

Kickoff on Thursday will be at 7:00.