Plano Wildcats - 2008 Football Season Preview

2007 Season Results: 5A Division I Semifinalists (13-2)

Head Coach: Jaydon McCullough

Key Losses: Beau Brence (UNLV), Blake McJunkin (SMU)

Key Returners: RB Rex Burkhead (6-0, 205), QB Carson Meger (6-0, 180), WR Kris Lott (6-1, 195)

Starters Returning: O/D: 4/3

PLANO -- There's a noticeable excitement of anticipation in the air on the campus of Plano Senior High School, and with good reason as the Wildcats are coming off their best season since 1994. That of course was the last time they brought home a state title and last year they came within a whisker of advancing to the big game.

A heartbreaking 30-27 overtime loss to eventual state champion Euless Trinity has provided the team with plenty of motivation to work harder this off-season and the results will soon be on display as the season quickly approaches.

The biggest change will come at the top where longtime assistant coach Jaydon McCullough takes over for the retired Gerald Brence. Wisely, the administration chose to promote from within, so the adjustment period has been smooth. With a talented trio of skill players, the Wildcats will undoubtedly have one of the state's most potent offenses.

Senior tailback Rex Burkhead leads the way after a brilliant junior season in which he rushed for 1,768 yards on 304 carries and scored 29 touchdowns. He is considered one of the state's best athletes and earned District MVP and all-state honors in 2007. The individual accolades are nice but like any good team player, Burkhead wants to see the school add another state championship banner to the wall. "There's always high expectations but after what we accomplished last year it's even moreso. When you walk in to the fieldhouse and see all the pictures and trophies of teams in the past you want to be a part of that. This year's group of seniors wants to be a part of the legacy and state championships are how we measure success" Burkhead said.

The biggest improvement in 2007 was Plano's ability to keep teams off balance. With Carson Meger and Kris Lott both back, the Wildcats have one of the best Quarterback-Receiver combos in the state as those two hooked up 69 times for 1,127 yards and 9 touchdowns. Lott knows this year's group is special and the balance the Wildcats have is a nightmare matchup for opponents. "If they put to many people in the box, that leaves me open and if they try to take me away, then Rex gets his yards. It's a lot of fun to be in this offense and we should be even better this year," Lott said.

The biggest challenge facing Coach McCullough is rebuilding a depleted defense that played at a high level in 2007, giving up just 14.6 points a game. The strength lies in the secondary where LaRon Kelly, Justin Collins and Andrew Caufman return. How well that side of the ball gels will be the key to how far the Wildcats go. If they can stay healthy, they have a very good chance of getting their 8th state title.

Prep Ticket predicted order of finish for 8-5A

1. Plano (5,215)

2. Allen (4,827)

3. Plano East (5,852)

4. Wylie (2,745)

5. Plano West (4,229)

6. McKinney Boyd (2,275)

7. Jesuit (2,058)

Read what others think about Plano in the forums.

Date of Article: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:36 am