Plan Wildcat Fan thread -- NOT about a certain city

[slcdragonfan]

PlanoWildcatFan, since you are so sick of threads about a certain fire-breathing creature that dwells in a certain city, I am creating this thread which should contain nothing about said city. In fact, I think it should be about Plano (aren't they still playing????:)), but its your call. Bud, this one's for you so you don't have to read ours.:D

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

PlanoWildcatFan, since you are so sick of threads about a certain fire-breathing creature that dwells in a certain city, I am creating this thread which should contain nothing about said city. In fact, I think it should be about Plano (aren't they still playing????:)), but its your call. Bud, this one's for you so you don't have to read ours.:D


You been drinking tonight? Regardless I appreciate the geniue thought and concern you have for team that is still playing.

I think Plano wins by 10 over Skyline and I expect a showdown with Trinity in Texas Stadium in 9 days.

Did you know that Plano shut out Trinity in 93 10-0 in the big school Semi finals.

[ScottS]

Coaching will carry Plano to a state title this year.

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

Coaching will carry Plano to a state title this year.

Plano Senior, the only team left standing from District 9-5A, has made it to the Region II Regional Championship with two integral components.

Talent and coaching.

It is the coaches job to put the most talented players in the right position to optimize their athletic ability. The most talented players in turn make the coaches look smart.

Not that any of the Plano coaches would use the word smart to describe themselves, seeing as they are all humble as they are intelligent.

But, every coach on staff gives full credit to the players.

And while the coaches give the players all the accolades as they deserve, the players in turn reciprocate. “Sometimes we come up here on Sundays to run a little bit and work out the soreness,” said Kris Lott, junior receiver. “And they are already up here, watching film for the next team we’re playing. After games they come back and meet at like 10:30 and go over our games. They put more time than I’ve put in.”

Breaking the system down even more, the players have spoken all season about how they are one team united.

Each player continually talks about the cohesiveness in the locker room and how playing for one another has made them more accountable, and in addition more successful.

To have a winning team, the coaching staff must be the same.

“We’re like a family,” said Joey Stone, middle linebackers coach. “It’s a brotherly love. Everybody cares about each other here. We are all willing to work next to each other, put a game plan together and go to war with each other each week.”

While most of the players have played together for many years, defensive tackles coach Steve Thomas, in his 44th year of coaching, is said to be responsible for this unified setting.

Referred to as the glue and “the most caring man you will ever meet,” Thomas’ experience and insight has caught the attention of many of the young coaches.

“For the young guys in here you’ve got two guys in coach Shields and coach Thomas and you put their experience together, you’ve got about 100 years,” said Linn Dickey, secondary coach in his seventh year at Plano. “Then you got coach [Jaydon] McCullough and we are under pretty good guidance.”

For Thomas and Shields, who says he has “been around since before the Dead Sea got sick,” and even McCullough, having such ambitious and open-minded coaches working with them makes the daily grind of football season more enjoyable.

“These young coaches keep us energized,” Shields said. “We have to stay on our toes all of the time. Now we make them stay on their toes, too, but these coaches are good at what they do.”

That mixture of experience and youthful energy seems to be working well for the Wildcats.

But things weren’t butterflies and rainbows early on.

At the beginning of the season, Plano head coach Gerald Brence was announced as the district athletic director.

The twist was that Brence would remain head coach of the Wildcats through 2007.

Much concern was the coaching staff would struggle with the situation, and chaos would soon arise. Also, many wondered how much time Brence could devote to the team and how much that would affect the team.

However, the coaches have left each hurdle of adversity standing in their wake so far.

“I think there was a lot of doubt at the beginning of the season,” Thomas said. “How does a man handle two jobs? There was uncertainty. A lot of things because of his athletic director position has given more responsibility to the staff. When he can’t make a meeting at its scheduled time, we have to move on.”

“I think the trust factor between Brence and us has been positive because he has to depend more on us now than he has ever had to in the past. And I think we have done a good job, we’ve adjusted well.”

By putting more trust in his coaches to make decisions, the team has taken on a new face.

The offense, headed by McCullough, has broken school records in passing yards and has helped balance out a powerful defense.

McCullough, who went through the days of power running, credits the team’s success to simplicity and says this season has been more encouraging than most.

“What we tried to do was integrate the spread offense and use the same terminology we have over the years,” McCullough said. “It’s been really fun because we have been able to do a lot of new things, but it has been simple for the kids as far as executing the plays. Out of the 16 years I have been with Brence I think he has done his best job this year. Because he has allowed us more input and as a coach that motivates you.”

Quarterbacks coach Tanner Craven, in his first year with Plano, comes from a passing philosophy at Amarillo and in college

“I appreciate the opportunity for them to listen to my thoughts,” Craven said. “Some of them they listen to and some of them they throw in the trash. But I’ve come in here and embraced their power run and understand that mentality.

“But like all of these coaches will agree the kids we have make the system work and we have some athletes on the perimeter, a quarterback who can throw the ball around, Rex [Burkhead]who we know we can put anywhere. So we went into this thing knowing we didn’t need to limit ourselves nor limit our kids.”

What McCullough and Craven have constructed has helped Plano to its current state. And that has worked in the favor of the defense.

Often times players talk about last year’s incapability to sustain long drives, which in turn wore down the defense.

That seems to have changed. Plano has scored on 11 of their opening drives this season, scoring quickly, or running the clock.

And the defense is truly appreciative.

“Anytime you are on the field for 60 plays instead of 100, that helps,” said Clint Stewart, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats benefit from a coach who the staff refers to as “The Guru.”

Stewart sets up the game plan each week to help Plano stop the opponent. Plano finished the season as the No. 1 defense in the district, and throughout the playoffs has been able to stifle most opponent’s strong suits.

However, just as the players give the coaches credit, Stewart feels this team’s unselfishness has made them what they are today.

“We’ve had teams who were probably more talented, but these guys are so tight and close knit, I think that’s what makes them so good,” Stewart said. “We’ve had a lot of kids who have done things for the benefit of the team. Guys like Chris Mendenhall who was a cornerback his entire time growing up and moved to linebacker and Landen Kershaw who wanted to play ‘Mike’ linebacker and moved to defensive tackle. Those guys made those moves and they made the best out of it and did it for benefit of team.”

As Plano prepares for their upcoming game against Skyline at Mesquite Memorial Stadium Saturday, the Wildcats know that winning isn’t the only thing. But, it is something Plano has done a lot of.

The Plano coaching staff has been built on tradition, tried and true. Plano is a long standing program that goes back to Tom Kimbrough, John Clark, Tom Gray and more.

It has always been a program based on discipline and creating good men. And it is set up to continue doing so.

“We try to teach the kids right from wrong and how to live right,” Shields said. “We try to teach them how to be All-American type people. Instead of showing their stuff off and being about ‘I’ and ‘me’ it’s about teamwork. It’s the same way with this coaching staff too.”

“The kids are going to play for you because they believe in you. And then you begin to believe in them. It’s all about how you take care of the kids. That’s what it takes to make a good football club.”

"Taken from the Plano Star Courier article"

[slcdragonfan]

You been drinking tonight? Regardless I appreciate the geniue thought and concern you have for team that is still playing.

I think Plano wins by 10 over Skyline and I expect a showdown with Trinity in Texas Stadium in 9 days.

Did you know that Plano shut out Trinity in 93 10-0 in the big school Semi finals.

I'm a pickin' Plano, not going to do numbers. That'll put 'em in a big showdown. Then the question becomes, Bowie or Trinity. Looks like most folks are picking the HAka, but which does Plano best match up to?

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

I'm a pickin' Plano, not going to do numbers. That'll put 'em in a big showdown. Then the question becomes, Bowie or Trinity. Looks like most folks are picking the HAka, but which does Plano best match up to?

Plano matches up best with Trinity. Plano's run defense is their strong point.

[TrinityProud]

Wow---give him his own thread, and he fills pages with 1 post. :D

I think I would rather read about those SLC Dragons. ;)

[JMSFan]

Wow---give him his own thread, and he fills pages with 1 post. :D

I think I would rather read about those SLC Dragons. ;)

Because......."They’re good at everything in Southlake. If you’ve never been, there’s something a little Pleasantville about it. The streets are cleaner than your streets, the downtown more vibrant, the students more courteous, their parents more prosperous. Everyone is beautiful in Southlake."

[slcdragonfan]

Plano matches up best with Trinity. Plano's run defense is their strong point.

I hear you, but the thing I noticed about ET when I watched them was that they could also pass.:eek: It's not necessarily poetry in motion (no ill will ET fans), but it is good enough to keep a team from cheating up on the run all the time. NOt sure what they did in the Mojo win (sounds like anything they wanted to do) but in the game I watched I believe at least two of the scores were passes.

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

Wow---give him his own thread, and he fills pages with 1 post. :D

I think I would rather read about those SLC Dragons. ;)

I Try.

Here is

REGION II FINALS PICK:
Dallas Skyline (12-1) vs. Plano (12-1): A 9-1 record usually speaks for itself, but Plano's 31-19 win over Westfield last weekend proved more to me than anything Plano did in the regular season. The Wildcats had already beaten finesse, spread-oriented teams like Rockwall, Plano East, and Plano West. But Plano hadn't taken on a team as tough, talented and fast until meeting Westfield. Holding Westfield to 63 rushing yards on 29 carries (more than 150 below its average) shows Plano was up to the challenge. In fact, not until Westfield was down 31-6 did it ditch the running game and get back into the game by passing.
That's less of a concern with Skyline. The only team from Dallas ISD still going takes a Bill Parcells-like approach to winning: run the ball and play good defense. Skyline doesn't exactly have tunnel vision when it comes to passing (Troy Stoudermire and Javier Hall have combined for a little over 1,200 yards), but their offense relies on a rushing game that averages 250 yards per game, led by the athletic Stoudermire's 1,069 yards. The Skyline defense, meanwhile, hasn't allowed more than 17 points in a game this year, including 10 or fewer in each playoff game. But not since hosting Arlington Bowie in September has Skyline faced an offense as dangerous as Plano's. Coincidence or not, that game marks Skyline's only loss of the season. A low scoring game will see Plano come out on top, 20-13.my prediction for Saturday.

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

I hear you, but the thing I noticed about ET when I watched them was that they could also pass.:eek: It's not necessarily poetry in motion (no ill will ET fans), but it is good enough to keep a team from cheating up on the run all the time. NOt sure what they did in the Mojo win (sounds like anything they wanted to do) but in the game I watched I believe at least two of the scores were passes.


That's what westfield did They tried to run but could only muster 63 yards rushing where their average was 275 a game. Their QB threw for 300+ yards but when it came down to making key plays in 3rd and 4th down he couldn't deliver. I see Trinity possibly doing the same thing. They run so well that if Plano can contain and neutralize their running game and they have to pass their is no doubt that they will complete some passes and have success but when it gets crunch time and you have that 3rd & 10 or 4th and 7 and you have to pass that's when teams that don't rely on the pass have trouble and make mistakes.

[slcdragonfan]

Rockwall was my sentimental favorite this year, tough losses all the way. I feel like (and so should Allen and Plano) they were one of the toughest teams we faced. Never gave up. My nephews have a cousin playing there, and from what I here an excellent program all round. I know they lost by 8 to Allen, 7 to that city that I will not mention, and I think 6 and 5 to the other two. Which one was Plano?

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

Rockwall was my sentimental favorite this year, tough losses all the way. I feel like (and so should Allen and Plano) they were one of the toughest teams we faced. Never gave up. My nephews have a cousin playing there, and from what I here an excellent program all round. I know they lost by 8 to Allen, 7 to that city that I will not mention, and I think 6 and 5 to the other two. Which one was Plano?

It was 7

[WildcatFan]

Our own thread and Greyowl has not come here to trash us once amazing!:puke

[slcdragonfan]

Who do you expect to see coming in from the other side? I picked North Shore to be there, but I really missed it on the FB schools, two still playing.

[WildcatFan]

That's what westfield did They tried to run but could only muster 63 yards rushing where their average was 275 a game. Their QB threw for 300+ yards but when it came down to making key plays in 3rd and 4th down he couldn't deliver. I see Trinity possibly doing the same thing. They run so well that if Plano can contain and neutralize their running game and they have to pass their is no doubt that they will complete some passes and have success but when it gets crunch time and you have that 3rd & 10 or 4th and 7 and you have to pass that's when teams that don't rely on the pass have trouble and make mistakes.

Plano Defense Three Words "Bend Don't Break"

I have spoken to a few folks close to the program and many people are comparing this team to the 94 team who won state.

Of course it would be absurd to think the comparisons of this team and the 94 team is going to guarnatee a win, but many people who coached that team find it strikingly similar almost scary.

Many close to the team feel this squad may will win state for the following reasons.

1. This team is very poised for its age (mostly Jr's). I spoke to a player after the Rockwall game and aksed him what the half time speech was like. Brence came in and told the team that they were going to go out and within the first 5 min of the third they were going to get two scores. They did it was almost scary in how it happend. The fact is the team never lost it in the face of being down by a very good Rockwall team. This team has proven in various big games when down they do not give up and find a way to win.

2. Those who are around this squad have noticed a very level headed humble group, also a surprising trait for their age. This team is not caught up in flash or smack or publicity. They want to win state! This is a sign of focus.

I am not saying the other programs out there are not focused, but this team appears to be rolling and if things go well this week and go well in a Semi against Trinity or Bowie, I feel this team will win state. I have said it since the playoffs began it will be North Shore GP and Plano in San Antonio Dec 22, my signature says it all.

Will they go to state and win this year I hope so, but the competition is tough and each week it will get tougher.

Regardless the bright spot is the core group of guys are just Juniors Rex, Kris, Carson and many others. Should be a ride for the remainder of this year and next!

[slcdragonfan]

So how many starting SR's is Plano losing?

[DrEdward]

I'll take Plano in the Region 2, D-1 finals. But Trinity v Plano may well be another matter.

[WildcatFan]

Who do you expect to see coming in from the other side? I picked North Shore to be there, but I really missed it on the FB schools, two still playing.

I think it will be NS for sure. On our side I am thinking, hoping and parying it will be us. If I had to pick a team besides us I would go with Trinity.

That is going to be one hell of a game if we both make it this week.

As you know I still think one of the best regional playoff games in the past couple of years would be Plano and SLC in '05. Certainly not the best I think that goes to Trinity and SLC last year, but a very good game.

First it was the first meeting between the Old Guard vs the Unstoppables. It was a great atmosphere at TS seeing a sea of maroon Paws contrasting a sea of green. We all know how it tunred out :notworthy

The greatest compliment was after SLC beat Katy and won state the DMN did a full page write up on the Dragons recapping the season, stats etc etc and had a section of Q&A with some key players. One of the Offensive players was asked who the toughest opponent they faced all year. the player responded hands down Plano, and went on to say that SLC had never played a team that hit as hard as Plano. Coming from SLC and all the teams they had faced was a big compliment.

I wish we could play them more often perhpas a two year run as a non-distirct game not to get vengence or proove who is better but that it would be a good game to see who knows with realignment we may get a chance.

[WildcatFan]

I'll take Plano in the Region 2, D-1 finals. But Trinity v Plano may well be another matter.

I won't argue or talk smack there its going to be a tough one of course we have to get past Skyline first, but then again everyone (not just those on this board but DMN and other Preps) said we would get blown out against you in 05'. We lost but we did not get blown out well at least until the final 5 minuets of the 4th:)

Also, I hope Trinity does not discount Bowie to much, I have been following this team as well and they are no pushovers. Trinity has their hands full this week even more than us I think.

As we have seen this has been a crazy year for incumbents of the Top 10!

[Gazelle]

Who do you expect to see coming in from the other side? I picked North Shore to be there, but I really missed it on the FB schools, two still playing.


Having seen NS, but not the others, I was impressed by NS's Oline and FB. Their tailback is lightning fast to the line and if there is any gap there, he'll blow through it like a Canadian Norther. He'll go down on arm tackles though.
They look bigger and faster on offense than Trinity. Their D is not as impressive. A balanced Pas Mem team took advantage of NS's D, but Memorial's defense just got tired of gettig pounded every play and lost Q4 badly. forcing Memorial to depend on the pass and become 1 dimensional. If a team can keep the NS O off the feild, they will stand a chance aat winning.

[WildcatFan]

So how many starting SR's is Plano losing?

I think 9 total

Definatley Defense will take more of a toll with CJ Martin LB, Chris Mendenhall Ryan Holland and Blake McJunkin gone.

On O we loose Wess Perryman the big lineman, Nate Christian WR and Kenny Watkins WR.

We return Rex Burkhead RB, Carson Meger QB and Kris Lott WR.

[WILDCAT27]

There are only 4 or 5 starters on defense that are jrs, so we lose more than 9 starters. Watkins is a DB and we also lose WR Grant Davis. Key to have Burkhead, Meger and Lott back though. Interesting that they all had brothers on the 05' team as well.

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

Our own thread and Greyowl has not come here to trash us once amazing!:puke

Give it time.

[Planofan2007]

Plano Defense Three Words "Bend Don't Break"

I have spoken to a few folks close to the program and many people are comparing this team to the 94 team who won state.

Of course it would be absurd to think the comparisons of this team and the 94 team is going to guarnatee a win, but many people who coached that team find it strikingly similar almost scary.

Many close to the team feel this squad may will win state for the following reasons.

1. This team is very poised for its age (mostly Jr's). I spoke to a player after the Rockwall game and aksed him what the half time speech was like. Brence came in and told the team that they were going to go out and within the first 5 min of the third they were going to get two scores. They did it was almost scary in how it happend. The fact is the team never lost it in the face of being down by a very good Rockwall team. This team has proven in various big games when down they do not give up and find a way to win.

2. Those who are around this squad have noticed a very level headed humble group, also a surprising trait for their age. This team is not caught up in flash or smack or publicity. They want to win state! This is a sign of focus.

I am not saying the other programs out there are not focused, but this team appears to be rolling and if things go well this week and go well in a Semi against Trinity or Bowie, I feel this team will win state. I have said it since the playoffs began it will be North Shore GP and Plano in San Antonio Dec 22, my signature says it all.

Will they go to state and win this year I hope so, but the competition is tough and each week it will get tougher.

Regardless the bright spot is the core group of guys are just Juniors Rex, Kris, Carson and many others. Should be a ride for the remainder of this year and next!


This is the second time you are posting that this team is mostly Jrs. The starting defense has only 2 jrs on it (both Safeties) and the offense has 6 jrs on it. So, I would not say we have mostly jrs on this team. If you don't beleive me look at the roster. I am not dogging you becuase you have some good post but you need to be corrected on this again.

[Planofan2007]

I think 9 total

Definatley Defense will take more of a toll with CJ Martin LB, Chris Mendenhall Ryan Holland and Blake McJunkin gone.

On O we loose Wess Perryman the big lineman, Nate Christian WR and Kenny Watkins WR.

We return Rex Burkhead RB, Carson Meger QB and Kris Lott WR.

Now I am doggiong you. How many games have you gone to this year???? Kenny has not played one down at WR... he is our starting CB and a very good one at that.

[slcdragonfan]

As you know I still think one of the best regional playoff games in the past couple of years would be Plano and SLC in '05. Certainly not the best I think that goes to Trinity and SLC last year, but a very good game.

I wish we could play them more often perhpas a two year run as a non-distirct game not to get vengence or proove who is better but that it would be a good game to see who knows with realignment we may get a chance.

In those years I was traveling every day, home for 48 hours at most on the weekends so I missed those games.:cry

I think it would be great to have a cross-town meet, in-town rivalries means we can all attend, minimal travel.:D

[trojanbacker]

Trinity has their hands full this week even more than us I think.

It's the only thing we are even thinking about right now. Believe me, no one is looking past Bowie.

[planoball34]

I agree with the comments on Plano's coaching and putting the best atheletes on the field. Plano East coaches could learn a lot from them as they did the opposite this year and it cost them big time.
I have converted to a Plano supporter since then and hope that the Wildcats bring another title home and make it 8 this year. I know a lot of kids on that team and going out on a great season is how I wish my son went out over at East.
Instead he goes out as knowing his team broke a 10 year string of making the playoffs.

Coaching does play a huge role in success of a program come pleyoff time and Brence has the xperience to get them there.

I think Skyline is in for a big surprise tomorrow!!
GO WILDCATS!!

[EastSIDE]

Plano Senior, the only team left standing from District 9-5A, has made it to the Region II Regional Championship with two integral components.

Talent and coaching.

It is the coaches job to put the most talented players in the right position to optimize their athletic ability. The most talented players in turn make the coaches look smart.

Not that any of the Plano coaches would use the word smart to describe themselves, seeing as they are all humble as they are intelligent.

But, every coach on staff gives full credit to the players.

And while the coaches give the players all the accolades as they deserve, the players in turn reciprocate. “Sometimes we come up here on Sundays to run a little bit and work out the soreness,” said Kris Lott, junior receiver. “And they are already up here, watching film for the next team we’re playing. After games they come back and meet at like 10:30 and go over our games. They put more time than I’ve put in.”

Breaking the system down even more, the players have spoken all season about how they are one team united.

Each player continually talks about the cohesiveness in the locker room and how playing for one another has made them more accountable, and in addition more successful.

To have a winning team, the coaching staff must be the same.

“We’re like a family,” said Joey Stone, middle linebackers coach. “It’s a brotherly love. Everybody cares about each other here. We are all willing to work next to each other, put a game plan together and go to war with each other each week.”

While most of the players have played together for many years, defensive tackles coach Steve Thomas, in his 44th year of coaching, is said to be responsible for this unified setting.

Referred to as the glue and “the most caring man you will ever meet,” Thomas’ experience and insight has caught the attention of many of the young coaches.

“For the young guys in here you’ve got two guys in coach Shields and coach Thomas and you put their experience together, you’ve got about 100 years,” said Linn Dickey, secondary coach in his seventh year at Plano. “Then you got coach [Jaydon] McCullough and we are under pretty good guidance.”

For Thomas and Shields, who says he has “been around since before the Dead Sea got sick,” and even McCullough, having such ambitious and open-minded coaches working with them makes the daily grind of football season more enjoyable.

“These young coaches keep us energized,” Shields said. “We have to stay on our toes all of the time. Now we make them stay on their toes, too, but these coaches are good at what they do.”

That mixture of experience and youthful energy seems to be working well for the Wildcats.

But things weren’t butterflies and rainbows early on.

At the beginning of the season, Plano head coach Gerald Brence was announced as the district athletic director.

The twist was that Brence would remain head coach of the Wildcats through 2007.

Much concern was the coaching staff would struggle with the situation, and chaos would soon arise. Also, many wondered how much time Brence could devote to the team and how much that would affect the team.

However, the coaches have left each hurdle of adversity standing in their wake so far.

“I think there was a lot of doubt at the beginning of the season,” Thomas said. “How does a man handle two jobs? There was uncertainty. A lot of things because of his athletic director position has given more responsibility to the staff. When he can’t make a meeting at its scheduled time, we have to move on.”

“I think the trust factor between Brence and us has been positive because he has to depend more on us now than he has ever had to in the past. And I think we have done a good job, we’ve adjusted well.”

By putting more trust in his coaches to make decisions, the team has taken on a new face.

The offense, headed by McCullough, has broken school records in passing yards and has helped balance out a powerful defense.

McCullough, who went through the days of power running, credits the team’s success to simplicity and says this season has been more encouraging than most.

“What we tried to do was integrate the spread offense and use the same terminology we have over the years,” McCullough said. “It’s been really fun because we have been able to do a lot of new things, but it has been simple for the kids as far as executing the plays. Out of the 16 years I have been with Brence I think he has done his best job this year. Because he has allowed us more input and as a coach that motivates you.”

Quarterbacks coach Tanner Craven, in his first year with Plano, comes from a passing philosophy at Amarillo and in college

“I appreciate the opportunity for them to listen to my thoughts,” Craven said. “Some of them they listen to and some of them they throw in the trash. But I’ve come in here and embraced their power run and understand that mentality.

“But like all of these coaches will agree the kids we have make the system work and we have some athletes on the perimeter, a quarterback who can throw the ball around, Rex [Burkhead]who we know we can put anywhere. So we went into this thing knowing we didn’t need to limit ourselves nor limit our kids.”

What McCullough and Craven have constructed has helped Plano to its current state. And that has worked in the favor of the defense.

Often times players talk about last year’s incapability to sustain long drives, which in turn wore down the defense.

That seems to have changed. Plano has scored on 11 of their opening drives this season, scoring quickly, or running the clock.

And the defense is truly appreciative.

“Anytime you are on the field for 60 plays instead of 100, that helps,” said Clint Stewart, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats benefit from a coach who the staff refers to as “The Guru.”

Stewart sets up the game plan each week to help Plano stop the opponent. Plano finished the season as the No. 1 defense in the district, and throughout the playoffs has been able to stifle most opponent’s strong suits.

However, just as the players give the coaches credit, Stewart feels this team’s unselfishness has made them what they are today.

“We’ve had teams who were probably more talented, but these guys are so tight and close knit, I think that’s what makes them so good,” Stewart said. “We’ve had a lot of kids who have done things for the benefit of the team. Guys like Chris Mendenhall who was a cornerback his entire time growing up and moved to linebacker and Landen Kershaw who wanted to play ‘Mike’ linebacker and moved to defensive tackle. Those guys made those moves and they made the best out of it and did it for benefit of team.”

As Plano prepares for their upcoming game against Skyline at Mesquite Memorial Stadium Saturday, the Wildcats know that winning isn’t the only thing. But, it is something Plano has done a lot of.

The Plano coaching staff has been built on tradition, tried and true. Plano is a long standing program that goes back to Tom Kimbrough, John Clark, Tom Gray and more.

It has always been a program based on discipline and creating good men. And it is set up to continue doing so.

“We try to teach the kids right from wrong and how to live right,” Shields said. “We try to teach them how to be All-American type people. Instead of showing their stuff off and being about ‘I’ and ‘me’ it’s about teamwork. It’s the same way with this coaching staff too.”

“The kids are going to play for you because they believe in you. And then you begin to believe in them. It’s all about how you take care of the kids. That’s what it takes to make a good football club.”

"Taken from the Plano Star Courier article"

If you read between the lines it sounds like the assistants are definitely close with each other.

[dragonsdaddy]

coach shields is the dinosaur of the hs coaching profession. he came to plano in 71, and left for a stint at hardin simmons in time to coach my oldest. #1 son still is amazed at the dedication sam showed. he is one of a kind. the fact that he is back coaching at plano is very impressive. he needs another ring, btw.

[GoOwls]

Give it time.

I got a feeling he won't hijack your threads like you do his...he has a bit more class than you do...though I know you have no idea what I'm talikng about.

Carry on...hopefully unimpeeded.

[CrusaderDidz]

anyone know if the Skyling/PLano game will be on a national feed?

[bigdaddydog]

anyone know if the Skyling/PLano game will be on a national feed?

Local re-broadcast on Channel 21 DFW. 10:30pm. Sorry


~

[grayowl60]

I got a feeling he won't hijack your threads like you do his...he has a bit more class than you do...though I know you have no idea what I'm talikng about.

Carry on...hopefully unimpeeded.
MR. Go. Money, Marbles and Chalk?;)

[Trojanman96]

You been drinking tonight? Regardless I appreciate the geniue thought and concern you have for team that is still playing.

I think Plano wins by 10 over Skyline and I expect a showdown with Trinity in Texas Stadium in 9 days.

Did you know that Plano shut out Trinity in 93 10-0 in the big school Semi finals.

Actually it was 12-0 and I was a sophomore. Then...oh ya you got kicked in the head by Judson.

[Butch Fifield]

Actually it was 12-0 and I was a sophomore. Then...oh ya you got kicked in the head by Judson.

well, we did improve from the team who lost to Judson the year before 52-0 :)

of course, none of that has anything to do with this year. i think Plano & Trinity is about as good of a matchup as you can get this year.

[Trojanman96]

well, we did improve from the team who lost to Judson the year before 52-0 :)

of course, none of that has anything to do with this year. i think Plano & Trinity is about as good of a matchup as you can get this year.

Oh, the 93 team was great. Jimmy Jackson was a threat. Some close calls at the goal line and it could have been different. That was Hickman's 2nd year. I really wanted that Judson rematch.

[Maroon Cathead]

In 1993, Converse Judson smashed Plano, 36-13.

Thankfully, things worked out for Scooter and company the following year.

[Trojanman96]

In 1993, Converse Judson smashed Plano, 36-13.

Thankfully, things worked out for Scooter and company the following year.

Ya. Even though we lost to Plano, I was rooting for Plano to crush Judson. Oh well, we got revenge a couple of years ago.

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

I got a feeling he won't hijack your threads like you do his...he has a bit more class than you do...though I know you have no idea what I'm talikng about.

Carry on...hopefully unimpeeded.

Wrong on all fronts. You better than that. Hey Plano fans have more better things to talk about rather than read rants from few Garlandites rambling on about nothing particular.

[GoOwls]

Wrong on all fronts. You better than that. Hey Plano fans have more better things to talk about rather than read rants from few Garlandites rambling on about nothing particular.

See, I told you you wouldn't understand.....how typically "Plano".......for this board, anyway.

Again, no disrespect for the Plano program or the vast majority of their fans, just distain for a few "frustrated athletes" (see band nerds) who have seen better days and live through their team.

Best of luck to both you and Trinity....I know the winner will represent Regions 1 & 2 and the Metroplex very well.

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

See, I told you you wouldn't understand.....how typically "Plano".......for this board, anyway.

Again, no disrespect for the Plano program or the vast majority of their fans, just distain for a few "frustrated athletes" (see band nerds) who have seen better days and live through their team.

Best of luck to both you and Trinity....I know the winner will represent Regions 1 & 2 and the Metroplex very well.

Trust me my athletic days are way behind me. No frustration here. More important things to focus on like family, kids, & career. Only want Plano to be the best they can be and play to their potential as a program. This year they are doing.

[GoOwls]

Trust me my athletic days are way behind me. No frustration here. More important things to focus on like family, kids, & career. Only want Plano to be the best they can be and play to their potential as a program. This year they are doing.

Doing...uh...what?

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

Doing...uh...what?
Got tired head on the keyboard.:)

Living up to their potential as a team this year.

[GoOwls]

Got tired head on the keyboard.:)

Living up to their potential as a team this year.

See that's the difference I see between guys like you and to majority of the older Garland fans on here. We seem to have a better grip on the reality of just exactly what our team is, from year to year....game to game.

You say that they are living up to potential...how do you know that they aren't underachieving...overachieving?

You say "finally".....how do you know that the other teams didn't play to their potential?

I....we...think that teams are what they are....regardless of talent. Talent on a team doesn't make it a good team...there MUST be chemistry, regardless of talent. The kids must be thinking of TEAM and not what university will earn their services the next season. They must get a team attitude of "ALL IN" to win state...a mentality of winning or else.

Talent fluctuates year to year, as does the mental make up of the team. We think that the mental make up is more important than talent...in the long haul. We've seen many talented Garland teams fail because they lacked charachter. We've seen less talented teams excell because of their charachter. The championship team of 1999 was predicted, by most of us sage old Owls, to be competing for the 3rd playoff spot with a "one and out" future. Man, were we wrong.......their charachter outshined the talent that emerged on that team.

Example, the tailback on that team, the guy who still holds the Garland city season rushing record set that season, was a D-1 prospect at linebacker who only ran some in relief the season before. Coach Martin asked him to switch to tailback in his senior season to help the team. He did, and the rest is history, but he gave up his own future to help the team.........CHARACHTER.

Now once he got to college, he forgot his charachter and ruined his free ride....another story...but you get my point.

Plano has had major success, regularly, over the years, and it has spoiled you. We old poor Garland kids just sit here and watch your antics, from afar and just smile, hoping that some day you will learn to see the reality of your boys the way we have.

[Plano Wildcat Fan]

See that's the difference I see between guys like you and to majority of the older Garland fans on here. We seem to have a better grip on the reality of just exactly what our team is, from year to year....game to game.

You say that they are living up to potential...how do you know that they aren't underachieving...overachieving?

You say "finally".....how do you know that the other teams didn't play to their potential?

I....we...think that teams are what they are....regardless of talent. Talent on a team doesn't make it a good team...there MUST be chemistry, regardless of talent. The kids must be thinking of TEAM and not what university will earn their services the next season. They must get a team attitude of "ALL IN" to win state...a mentality of winning or else.

Talent fluctuates year to year, as does the mental make up of the team. We think that the mental make up is more important than talent...in the long haul. We've seen many talented Garland teams fail because they lacked charachter. We've seen less talented teams excell because of their charachter. The championship team of 1999 was predicted, by most of us sage old Owls, to be competing for the 3rd playoff spot with a "one and out" future. Man, were we wrong.......their charachter outshined the talent that emerged on that team.

Example, the tailback on that team, the guy who still holds the Garland city season rushing record set that season, was a D-1 prospect at linebacker who only ran some in relief the season before. Coach Martin asked him to switch to tailback in his senior season to help the team. He did, and the rest is history, but he gave up his own future to help the team.........CHARACHTER.

Now once he got to college, he forgot his charachter and ruined his free ride....another story...but you get my point.

Plano has had major success, regularly, over the years, and it has spoiled you. We old poor Garland kids just sit here and watch your antics, from afar and just smile, hoping that some day you will learn to see the reality of your boys the way we have.

With only 8 teams remaining in 5A Plano it is safe their playing to their potential you can't get any further than they are now. Hopefully they will peak on Saturday night.

Yes I could be spoiled by plano's success but over the last 10 years the teams has been very inconsistent. However with the factors involved including facilities, community support, history and of course the largest pool of potential football talent in the state Plano shouldn't be that way. Plano had 4 losing seasons out of the last 5 before this year. With those type of resources that shouldn't happen. I could understand a down year once in a blue moon. You got to remember Plano from 1961 to 2000 won 400 games and I know from 64 through 1995 their worst record was 6-3-1. So 4 losing seasons in 5 years in the 2000's is something that shouldn't happen.

[chickenheart1]

With only 8 teams remaining in 5A Plano it is safe their playing to their potential you can't get any further than they are now. Hopefully they will peak on Saturday night.

Yes I could be spoiled by plano's success but over the last 10 years the teams has been very inconsistent. However with the factors involved including facilities, community support, history and of course the largest pool of potential football talent in the state Plano shouldn't be that way. Plano had 4 losing seasons out of the last 5 before this year. With those type of resources that shouldn't happen. I could understand a down year once in a blue moon. You got to remember Plano from 1961 to 2000 won 400 games and I know from 64 through 1995 their worst record was 6-3-1. So 4 losing seasons in 5 years in the 2000's is something that shouldn't happen.
You are forgetting the 05 season. That was a great run.:cry

[slcdragonfan]

I'll admit, Plano has been under my radar this year. The paper and TV have been pretty quiet as well. When you get to this point, tho, you can't be ignored. Looking to hear a lot about Plano this week.