“It was a big surprise,” said Murat Kuzu. “They called me by a different name and I had a different number.”

Plano went 'old school' with its offense behind Murat Kuzu. It had been since Bryce Ryan for one game in 2004 that a Plano quarterback wore a single digit number. Plano quarterbacks have predominantly worn numbers in the 20s.

Kuzu surprised Wylie by starting at quarterback in a new option offensive scheme and by the time they adapted Plano had a large enough margin to ride to a 27-20 victory at Pirate Stadium.

Plano (2-4, 1-1 in District 8-5A) picked up its first district victory and with the win is right back in the playoff picture. Wylie (2-4, 0-2) remains winless in district play.

“I thought about it today. Coach (Tom) Kimbrough used to switch players’ numbers,” Plano coach Jaydon McCullough said. “They couldn’t figure it out.”

Kuzu practiced as the starting quarterback all week and Plano did the work to transition to the option game. Even in the pregame, Plano disguised that Kuzu was the starter. And he had worn No. 32, making a 69-yard touchdown run, in the prior game.

“I didn’t think Murat looked good as a quarterback in No. 32,” McCullough said.

Kuzu completed a pair of touchdown passes to Robert Robinson in the first half and compiled 236 total yards as Plano rode a 24-7 halftime advantage to victory.

“He did this in the scrimmage and we hope he keeps doing this,” Robinson said. “We want him to keep Plano rolling. We got it done tonight.”

Robinson had his best career game as he hauled in five passes for 88 yards and added another 49 yards rushing. He scored on a 31-yard pass from Kuzu with 3:04 remaining in the first quarter to put Plano up, 10-0. Robinson came back to catch an 8-yard pass from Kuzu with 36 seconds left in the first half to put Plano up by three scores.

Robert Robinson had 137 total yards and two touchdowns to go along with five receptions in his best career game.

Wylie’s Noah Cheshier, who rushed for a pair of scores and passed for another, helped narrow the early deficit. After Robinson’s grab put Plano up, 10-0, he scored on a 16-yard run just 31 seconds into the second quarter.

Kevin Merrill broke off a 20-yard touchdown run to equalize the score and Robinson’s second touchdown catch extended the lead.

Grant Pierce converted field goals from 31 and 35, the second to put Plano up, 27-7.

Cheshier then led Wylie back. He completed a 28-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Murdock to narrow the lead to 27-14 with 1:19 left in the fourth quarter.

But Wylie was becoming its worst enemy. It was moving the ball on the ground, but also moving the clock quite quickly.

Then a high snap on a punt resulted in a short field. Cheshier broke into the end zone again on a five-yard run with 4:13 left and the lead was trimmed to a single touchdown.

Wylie had one last shot inside the final two minutes, but Plano seemed to have them stopped. A third down pass was broken up by Collin Brence, but a personal foul penalty extended the drive. Alex LaButis dropped Cheshier for an 11-yard loss four plays later on another key third down and Cheshier’s final pass fell incomplete.

That was the story Friday as Plano (1-2) picked up its first win of the season in a 31-30 victory over Hebron (2-1) at John Clark Stadium.

“Once we started executing, it just seemed like we went crazy,” linebacker Ben Laures said. “We had all the alumni, parents and fans here. It was raining and they were still here to help the team out.”

Plano ended the first half with four consecutive punts and two on the opening two drives of the second half. Trailing, 17-7, and with starting halfback Jared Kirchmeier knocked out of the game, the night could have quickly turned for the worse.

On his second carry of the season, Kevin Merrill rolled off a 37-yard run and then a 33-yard run. A penalty was only a momentary setback before Merrill closed the drive with a 24-yard touchdown run.

“Our kids fought through adversity,” Plano coach Jaydon McCullough said. “We started to have a little confidence. Every time something good had happened for us, something bad had happened. All this team lacked was confidence.”

Merrill’s touchdown closed the margin to 17-14 and Connor Michelsen connected with Holt Hoetger on a 63-yard strike to give Plano a 21-17 advantage. Even when Hebron countered on a big passing play to take the lead back, Plano had the answer. The lead lasted for just 16 seconds as Merrill fielded the ball three steps deep in the end zone, stepped back five yards deep and then sprinted 105 yards for a touchdown.

“We got tired of losing,” defensive end Alex LaButis said. “We wanted this ‘W’ more than anything. We wanted to get a ‘W’ for everyone.”

For consecutive seasons Plano defeated Hebron and in both games a kickoff return for a touchdown was a turning point.

But there was also the case of Grant Pierce converting a 32-yard field goal for a 31-24 lead with 7:23 left, after having two prior misses from that distance this season.

But the first piece of momentum came in the first quarter. Plano had allowed scores on opponents’ first two drives in the first two games this season and had not scored to open the game. That changed Friday as Matt Johnson caught a touchdown pass from Connor Michelsen to cap Plano’s first drive, sandwiched between defensive stops and a Xavier Harbert interception on the first three Hebron drives.

“We tried to focus on the little things,” LaButis said.

“It feels good because we practiced hard all week long,” Merrill said.

And, perhaps, the experience at DeSoto helped. The defense came into the game off an experience against quarterback Ryan Polite, a dual-threat quarterback similar to Hebron’s Kyle Aubuchon.

“Polite did help us a lot,” LaButis said. “We learned we have to respect the run, and at the same time the pass.”

Plano (1-2) and Hebron (2-1) waited out an 80-minute flash flooding and lightning delay at John Clark Field to set the stage for some second-half fireworks in a 31-30 Plano win.

It ended up being a replay of last season, as a Hebron kickoff late in the game was returned for a touchdown and Plano would never trail again.

“The turn of events was pretty insane,” linebacker Ben Laures said. “We made some stops, the offense stepped up and scored and a sophomore stepped up for the seniors to help them get a win at home.”

Jared Kirchmeier, the workhorse of the offense so far this season, was knocked out of the game on the first series of the second half. And Kevin Merrill rose to the occasion. He compiled 103 yards on five carries in the third quarter alone and scored to close a double-digit lead. Then he followed a Hebron score with a 105-yard kickoff return to put Plano up for good.

“I just saw a big hole and went to it,” Merrill said.

It was at best an ill-advised return. He fielded the ball three yards deep and stepped back five yards deep in the end zone before advancing the kickoff.

“But I had blocking and I just ran,” Merrill said.

Then Grant Pierce had the opportunity to put bitter memories of the Irving MacArthur loss behind him. He converted a 32-yard field goal with 7:23 left to spot Plano a 31-24 lead.

In a fourth quarter that had included four scores in 4:37 of the game clock, the outcome was far from settled. And with 46 second left do-it-all quarterback Kyle Aubuchon rushed in from 7 yards out to narrow the margin to 31-30.

But seven plays earlier Laures knocked the started kicker out of the game on a pass reception.

“He’s a gladiator,” McCullough said. “That’s one of the greatest hits I think I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a lot of football. When I saw that, I said, ‘now, that’s a hit.’ ”

Laures wasn’t done. Hebron had a shot to tie the game with a conversion kick and Aubuchon lined up to convert it. And the linebacker got another block on special teams to seal the victory.

“He’s motivated to block the kick every time,” defensive end Alex LaButis said. “I tell him that’s fine…I’ll pick up the ball. He’s really good at it.”

“I’ve been bullrushing kicks the entire time,” Laures said. “I just put it in my head that I’m not going to let them get it.”

Between Merrill scores, Holt Hoetger broke past the secondary on a 63-yard touchdown reception from Connor Michelsen for the quarterback’s second touchdown strike of the game.

A second storm system set at the edge of the Metroplex outside of Mesquite for a majority of the game and throughout the second half. All the while, Hebron had the lead and could have been in position to win were the game to be called.

“We got tired of losing,” LaButis said. “We wanted this win more than anything.”

And when Laures made the big play to block the conversion kick, Plano had it. And shortly thereafter the skies opened back up, but not before the three-game losing streak came to an end.

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.

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.

Each season, fans in College Station want to know if the Wrecking Crew is back. At Nebraska, fans want to establish if this will be a Blackshirts defense of old. Steelers fans want to see an Iron Curtain defense.

And so a little early proving can go a long way.

Such was the case Friday as Plano defeated Mesquite, 51-17, in the preseason’s only scrimmage. Mesquite was held to a single field goal through the first six possessions and during that time the offense jumped out to a 31-3 lead.

“That was a pleasant surprise,” said Plano coach Jaydon McCullough. “I heard people say that was old Plano defense.”

And by that, they means a tough, physical unit.

“I think you can teach toughness,” McCullough said.

Linemen

Alex LaButis and Taylor May will anchor a line that has both some potential and some questions to answer.

LaButis returns from a season in which he recorded 40 tackles, 11 quarterback pressures, 5 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries. But, May’s time was limited last season.

“We feel good about the ends,” McCullough said.

Arthur Skinner takes one tackle position, while Lee Skinner’s move to offense opened an opportunity for Cameron Oliver to take the other position. Arthur Skinner had 33 tackles, 3 pressures and a fumble forced last season.

Among the reserves on the line, Kevin Smith was moved from linebacker to an end position with Robert Geibler on the other side. Travis McCollum and Darron Shannon will play behind Skinner and Oliver inside.

Linebackers

The feature of an every down middle linebacker may be gone this season, as a pair of players are expected to equally split time. Mohammed Kuzu and Xavier Harbert will both play the position.

“They are going to play about 50/50,” McCullough said.

Kuzu had 10 tackles and a pressure last season before going down to injury. Harbert is a sophomore playing his first season on varsity.

Taylor Meyers will start on the strongside and Ben Laures on the weakside. Zach Laures will be the team’s fourth linebacker when utilized and will backup Meyers. Ben Laures had 35 tackles last season, while also splitting time at fullback with Collin Brence.

“Ben, Zach and Taylor were running around hitting people in the scrimmage,” McCullough said. “I’m pleased with that.”

Secondary

There’s certainly some youth in the secondary, but there may also be as much size as the team has had in some time.

Blair Burns and Kelton Reed will start at the corners. The free safety is Brandon McCalister and at strong safety is Collin Brence, the only starter who registered a tackle last season. Josh Benson, who had 16.5 tackles last season, has been noted as a reserve who can play any position in the secondary. Brad Tipton and Austin Birdsall are also reserves.

“They made some mistakes, but we’ll correct it,” McCullough said.

Philosophy

With only three seniors in the starting mix, none of which started last season, the defense will be young. It will also be talented.

“I thought our defense looked great in the scrimmage,” McCullough said.

The secondary has the potential to be punishing. Despite his speed advantage, Robert Robinson hasn’t had many times where he has broken free and gotten behind the secondary in practice. Mostly they have impressed against a receiving corps most believe could be good.

And if they can shut down the pass, the front seven may be able to contain the run in order to form a much improved defense from last season.

“They play hard and we saw them run to the football Friday,” McCullough said.

Plano had one of the state’s top defensive units in 2005 and 2007. Perhaps the odd-year trend continues this season.

Alex LaButis (46) and the Plano defense held Mesquite long enough for the offense to jump out to a 31-3 lead en route to a 51-17 victory Friday. (ThadFenton.com)

Plano will open the regular season at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Irving ISD Stadium against Irving MacArthur.

Michelsen has been locked in a battle for the starting quarterback position since the spring. Plano coach Jaydon McCullough had said the starter would be the one who could execute, move the offense and score, but he had also said it was possible both quarterbacks would play in the season opener.

Bordonaro went 3-of-7 passing on the first possession of the game, but the first-team offense was forced to punt and then had a sustained drive stall inside the Mesquite 10. All three Bordonaro passes were completed to Holt Hoetger.

Then Michelsen made his case. His first series resulted in a score, although he had little to do with it. Jared

The backfield combination of Jared Kirchmeier (33) and Kevin Merrill looked to be a winner Friday night. (ThadFenton.com)

Kirchmeier, who started at halfback, got the call on six straight carries to move Plano from its own 30 to the Mesquite 9, where it took Kevin Merrill one carry to find the end zone.

But it didn’t start so well for Michelsen. He tossed an interception on his first pass attempt. Then his second pass attempt was nullified by a penalty. But he came back to complete a pass to Matt Johnson before hooking up with Robert Robinson on a 55-yard touchdown pass.

Richard Lagow, the junior varsity starter at quarterback, came on and found Kobie Douglas on a touchdown pass. L.J. Ausama scored a rushing touchdown and the rout was on as Plano grabbed a 31-3 lead.

Michelsen came back with the starting offense and behind Kirchmeier and Merrill marched the team inside the Mesquite 20 before completing a third down pass to Robinson for a 19-yard touchdown strike and a 38-10 lead. Michelsen also scored on a 1-yard dive in overtime.

Robert Robinson displayed his game-breaking ability on a pair of touchdown catches Friday in a 51-17 scrimmage victory over Mesquite. (ThadFenton.com)

The defense quietly went about its work. Mesquite managed only a field goal off the opening two series from its first- and second-team. It didn’t reach the end zone until late in the scrimmage after the Plano offense had tallied 28 unanswered points. The defense allowed a second touchdown, but in the overtime session linebacker Kevin Smith got a stop with a fumble recovery.

Much ado had been made of an offensive line which had no returning starters. Kendall Hamrick steadied that line throughout the scrimmage at center and as the deep snapper. The line did not give up a sack and had only one rushing attempt go for loss, demonstrating the success they had throughout the scrimmage.

The receiving corps was somewhat quiet. Holt Hoetger opened the scrimmage with three receptions, all from Bordonaro, for 65 yards. Steele Hoetger was held out of the scrimmage for precautionary reasons but should be ready for the opener. Robinson had two touchdown grabs.

But the running game stole the show. After somewhat of a slow start, the combination of Kirchmeier and Merrill started breaking off yards in chunks. Kirchmeier had an early gain of 23 yards and a gain of 21 more in overtime, for example.

That’s why the first scrimmage of the preseason is so highly anticipated by players on the defensive side of the ball. That opportunity comes today as Plano hosts Mesquite at John Clark Stadium. The junior varsity scrimmages at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7 p.m.

Alex LaButis (46) is pictured in last season's scrimmage against Mesquite. Plano has met Mesquite 20 times and in numerous scrimmages. (ThadFenton.com/File photo)

“We’re not preparing as much for Mesquite as we are for Irving MacArthur,” said returning right defensive end Alex LaButis. “This will be the opportunity to get some actual varsity reps.”

Unlike LaButis, many players on the defensive side of the ball are either trying to earn a starting spot or keep it.

“It’s the last time everyone gets a chance to show the coaches what they can do,” LaButis said.

If a player doesn’t make the varsity roster, they at least had an opportunity in the scrimmage, LaButis said. Conversely, if a player falls on the depth chart during the final week of the preseason it likely is because of performance in the scrimmage.

The defensive unit has been widely noted for the progress it has made in the offseason. The coaches believe the unit will show improvement from last season.

Among those no one seems to talk about is Taylor Meyers. He’s listed as a defensive back, but has taken preseason snaps at linebacker. He’s listed by LaButis as the defensive player who made the most progress in the offseason.

“He worked his butt off all summer,” he said.

The secondary has been the area of the team earning the most buzz in preseason drills.

“They’re quick and they’re going to be physical,” LaButis said.

Two key players will be limited in the scrimmage. On offense, receiver Steele Hoetger turned his ankle in practice and is in a protective boot. He is expected to play in the season opener. On defense, Mohammed Kuzu may be limited. He has worked his way back from a knee injury and limiting his action today would be a precautionary measure.