Aubuchon, Hebron pose challenge for Plano
Posted on 10. Sep, 2009 by Brian Porter in Varsity
By the time darkness settles Friday on John Clark Stadium, Plano should be really good at defending a dual-threat quarterback. Or it will be heading into its final non-district game seeking the season’s first win.
The defense displayed the ability to control a running quarterback last week, but Ryan Polite used the other part of his game to compile 374 yards passing and five touchdowns. If his first two games are any indication, Kyle Aubuchon can be equally as devastating.
“He’s one of those guys that can throw and run,” said Plano coach Jaydon McCullough. “He’s physically strong.”
Plano (0-2) meets Hebron (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at John Clark Stadium in a non-district football game. Hebron will be out to keep a perfect season alive, while Plano will be after its first win of the season.
Aubuchon has 666 all-purpose yards in two games. He’s averaged 207 yards per game rushing and another 226 passing.
“To beat this team you have to be really resilient,” McCullough said. “He’s the heart and soul of the team, but they are a very good team.”
The teams have done reversals in a year. Last year, Hebron was young and somewhat inexperienced, while Plano had a squad of veteran players. Plano defeated Hebron in the first meeting between the teams and Hebron fell to 0-3. But the team recovered and advanced two rounds deep into the playoffs.
“I remember after the game, coach (Brian) Brazil told me he learned how good his team could be,” McCullough said.
This time, Plano comes in with the young, mostly inexperienced squad. The only difference is they’re hoping to get out with a win.
“The important games start when we open district and play Plano East, but all of them are important to us,” McCullough said. “There’s a certain point where you want to win. You work and work and don’t win and you start to question the results of the work.”
Defensively, Plano is allowing 376 yards per game, a number skewed by a 504-yard performance by DeSoto last week.
But, the defense has allowed both opponents to score on each of its first two possessions to quickly get behind this season. One game got out of hand quickly and in the other there were opportunities for a win.
“I still feel good about the defense,” McCullough said.
And people should considering it allowed less than 100 yards after surrendering two scores in the opening week and the fact it has now faced a dual-threat quarterback as good as Aubuchon, something difficult to simulate in practice.
But, you must score to win. Plano is averaging 14 points in two games this season.
“Right now, the execution level is not there,” McCullough said. “We’re going to try to increase our execution and get people on the field who physically match up with who we are playing.”
Connor Michelsen will make his third start at quarterback for Plano.
“We want him to keep growing and getting better,” McCullough said. “He is trying to be a better quarterback.”
And a receiving corps which showed early signs that it could be a strong suit of the offense must make plays for him. Only one player in the receiving mix has more than one reception this season. Halfback Jared Kirchmeier has three. By comparison, Hebron has two receivers each with more than 150 yards and six receivers who have caught multiple passes.
Kirchmeier has been a spark on offense. He has 139 yards rushing on 34 carries and last week had 105 yards on two carries called back by penalty.
On defense, end Alex LaButis and linebacker Ben Laures have been the leaders. LaButis has 18 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Laures has 17.5 tackles, an interception and a blocked punt.
