Texas high school football fans who braved a cold winter night in Irving last December 15 December 15^th witnessed an all-time great playoff game between Euless Trinity and Plano.  The epic state semi-final encounter needed 48 minutes plus two overtimes before Trinity emerged as 30-27 winners. 

          Trinity led off the scoring in the first quarter through a 22-yard Pery Negreiros field goal.  Plano got on the board when QB Carson Meger found WR Grant Davis for a 16-yard touchdown strike.  The Trojans took the initiative in the second quarter with two touchdown runs from RB Tray Robinson.  Trinity led 17-7 before Plano closed the gap to 17-14 with another touchdown pass from Meger to Davis.  The Wildcats scored the only points of the third quarter on a 1-yard run from Meger to take a 21-17 advantage into the fourth quarter.  Trinity answered Plano’s 14-point run with a 37-yard touchdown gallop from RB Samir Baker to retake the lead 24-21.  The teams traded turnovers in Trinity’s half of the field late before Plano kicker Ryan McDuff equalized on a 24-yard field goal.  The teams went into the overtime period tied at 24.  Trinity drew first blood in overtime with a 37-yard field goal from Negreiros.  Plano matched with a 25-yard try from McDuff to close the first overtime even at 27.  The Wildcats led off the second overtime on offense, but missed on a 41-yard field goal attempt.  Trinity drove to the one before Negreiros ultimately sealed the 30-27 win with a 23 yard chip shot.  

          Trinity won its second 5A state championship the following week in a gritty 13-10 win over Converse Judson at the Alamodome. 

          A combined total of 21 starters (11 Trinity, 10 Plano) and 44 lettermen return for the Trojans and Wildcats in 2008.  Returning players accounted for 40 of 57 total points scored in last year’s meeting.  Trinity and Plano return their backfields almost entirely intact.  Quarterbacks Denarius McGhee (Trinity) and Carson Meger (Plano) both started as juniors last year.  Running backs Tray Robinson (Trinity) and Rex Burkhead (Plano) are two of the best in Texas at their position.  Plano returns three offensive line starters compared to one for Trinity.  Both teams return experienced players on the perimeter.  Trinity’s attack is based on power running, and the Trojans operate primary under center in wing style formations.  Plano is multiple in their approach and will spread the field.  However, they can still line up in traditional Plano fashion and plow forward with a player like Burkhead.  The methods are different, but clearly these will be two of the state’s most productive offenses this fall.

          On defense, Trinity has an advantage in the front seven with five returning starters.  Four of those five were named to 7-5A’s all-district team.  Both will be strong in the secondary.  Plano returns seniors Laron Kelly, Justin Collins and Andrew Caufman.  Trnity returns a third-year starter in senior Prinz Kande and addition experience in the form of seniors Eryon Barnett (CB), Tony Brame (CB) and Zack Regan (FS).  Plano has a starting advantage in special teams with returning placekicker Ryan McDuff.  Trinity will replace three-year starter Pery Negreiros with senior Isaac Arellano.

          Realignment moved Plano’s district back to Region 1 (8-5A).  Trinity didn’t change regions, but moved from 7-5A to 5-5A.  Plano and Trinity are Division 1 locks because they are one of the two largest enrollment schools in their respective districts.  The predicted scenario would see the Trojans and Wildcats meet in the state quarterfinals (4^th round).  The second round is the earliest they could meet if one should slip in district play and enter the Division 1 bracket as their district’s second seed.