Plano Wildcats prowling for wins in 2021
PLANO, Texas — The Plano Wildcats are legends in Texas football history. Out of 108 years of football statistics, they were ranked as runner-up to the best high school football program in Texas, Wichita Falls. The Wildcat became the official mascot of the football team in 1925. The Wildcats were undefeated during the 1925 and 1930 seasons. They won their first state championship in 1965. They have accumulated seven state titles and have been in the playoffs often. After the creation of Plano West Senior High School in 1999, the Plano East Football Team had their first winless season in 2003, the first such season in the football team’s history.
The Plano Wildcats football team is a young team this year. Coach Todd Ford is in his second year as head coach of the Wildcats. His first season with the Wildcats was plagued by cancellations caused by COVID-19. The outlook for the 2021 season is bright. The returning players played a year ago while the starters were out due to COVID-19 protocol, and they earned a trip to the playoffs.
Coach Ford is no stranger to championship wins. He was the offensive coordinator at Southlake Carroll from 2004 to 2006. The Dragons were on fire winning 48 straight games and three consecutive state titles. Coach Ford was the successful quarterbacks coach at North Texas from 2007 to 2009. With the current talent under his tutelage, it’s likely that the Plano Wildcats will rack up many wins this season.
On offense, the Wildcats are led by a young quarterback, Austin Gonzalez. Gonzalez has already received a college offer from Southern Miss, and he doesn’t graduate until 2023. The young gun has the ability to lead the Plano Wildcats into the playoffs this year. As a freshman, he was elevated from the freshman team to the JV team, and before the season was over, he was promoted again to the varsity team. He participated in the final two regular season games of last season along with accruing playing time during the playoffs.
With only four returning defensive starters, Coach Ford and his staff are rebuilding on both sides. Returning seniors include David Smith, Humphrey Amaechi, Ian Minter and Jermaine Jamabo. Their senior leadership will provide a good balance for the younger players on the field.
Jermaine Jamabo and Humphrey Amaechi are returning cornerbacks. Ian Minter has experience at safety. Junior Kameron Jones is stepping into the role of running back that has been a dominating force for the Wildcats in the last ten seasons.
Sullivan Burns is an offensive lineman to keep an eye on this season. His presence will be made known as he stands at 6’7” and weighs in at 315 pounds. He is already being watched by college recruiters.
As usual, the 6-6A Texas football district will be highly competitive. Coach Ford’s team came out ready to play against the non-conference team from Rowlett. They put on a show offensively racking up 60 points on the scoreboard. The defense only allowed seven points. This team is well on its way to living up to the Wildcat Legend.
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