Quick start, missed opportunities costs Plano
Posted on 28. Aug, 2009 by Brian Porter in Varsity
A blocked punt and two interceptions set the table Friday for what had the makings of a comeback win behind a stellar defensive effort.
But Plano couldn’t capitalize and fell, 14-13, to Irving MacArthur at Irving Schools Stadium, ending a streak in which Plano had won five straight season openers.
Ben Laures, center, blocked a punt and intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter. After an explosive first two series, the Plano defense limited Irving MacArthur to just 77 yards of offense. / Thad Fenton
The Wildcats (0-1) had not lost consecutive games since Week 5 of the 2006 season and had not lost a season opener since 2004.
“They had us down, 14-0, and we showed something by stepping up as a team,” said weakside linebacker Ben Laures. “Now we’ve got to focus on DeSoto next week. They’re another good team.”
Jason Frimpong broke free on an 80-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage to put MacArthur up, 7-0, just 17 seconds into the game and Plano would never take the lead.
A fumble on the second Plano play of the game set up a 15-play, 62-yard drive capped by a 3-yard James Sims touchdown run to put MacArthur up, 14-0.
“We were missing assignments,” Laures said. “The coaches tell us to beat the person in front of you. We had to make adjustments.”
And the defense did. Plano allowed MacArthur just 77 yards from there.
If the recent past was an indicator, two scores would not be enough to hold Plano off. The Wildcats had not been held under 20 points in the past 19 games and under 14 points in the past 28 games.
The defense came up with three big plays in the fourth quarter. Laures sprinted in and blocked a quick kick on a MacArthur fourth down near midfield and Alex LaButis pulled in the ball and rolled to the MacArthur 8.
“I was on a rush and then when I saw it was a quick kick I just wanted to make sure not to get a penalty on the kicker,” Laures said. “Alex seems to be a magnet for the football. I remember he did that last year, too.”
The offense was only able to move three yards and a 22-yard field goal attempt to take the lead struck the left upright.
Jared Kirchmeier had a pair of touchdown runs in the season opener. Here, he sprints through a gaping hole and into the end zone. / Thad Fenton
Two plays later Josh Benson pulled in an interception. The Wildcats had the ensuing drive stall at the MacArthur 14 and a 32-yard field goal scooted outside the left upright.
Then, on third-and-long, Frimpong was pressured and tried to get away a pass that was deflected to the waiting Laures. It gave Plano one last shot to win the game, but three incompletions and a sack followed.
Jared Kirchmeier scored his second touchdown of the game, this one on a 5-yard rumble into the end zone, with 1:20 remaining in the third quarter and instead of going for the tie on the conversion Plano opted for the kick.
Kirchmeier scored from four yards out with 10:29 remaining in the first half, but the conversion kick failed and a 32-yard field goal inside the final minute of the first half also failed.
After scoring on the opening two possessions, MacArthur went six straight series without a first down as the defense adjusted and clamped down on the rushing combination of Frimpong and Sims.
Among the standouts for Plano were Holt Hoetger with 7 receptions for 110 yards, along with Collin Brence, LaButis and Laures on defense.
MacArthur had scored 14 points combined in two previous meetings with Plano, including last season’s 33-7 decision, but matching that scoring output Friday was enough for the win.
Irving MacArthur 14, Plano 13| Plano | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | – | 13 |
| Irv. MacArthur | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 14 |
| M | P | |
| 0 | First downs | 0 |
| 43-200 | Rushes-Yards | 27-102 |
| 19 | Passing yards | 129 |
| 219 | Total yards | 231 |
| 4-8-2 | Passing | 10-22-0 |
| 5-35.6 | Punts-Avg. | 3-44.3 |
| 9-70 | Penalties-Yds. | 3-12 |
| 1-0 | Fumbles-Lost | 2-2 |
