Team Preview: Plano Wildcats

Plano Wildcats

Head Coach: Cody White (1^st Season)

Last Season: 4-7; 3-4 in district (Lost to Prosper in bi-district)

Plano Key Players and Storylines

Cody White is back in Texas after 11 seasons away. The former Denison coach had plenty of success during his time at Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, where he led the football program to four state championships.

But now, White said it was time to come home and he believes Plano is the perfect fit. The Wildcats made it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 last season and won more games than they had in the previous two seasons combined.

White said he aims to continue that upward trajectory this year. If Plano is to do that, the Wildcats will likely have to lean on their defense.

They return eight starters on that side of the ball, including several key players in the front seven. Linebacker Jeff Sekula (66 total tackles) earned all-district honors last season, while defensive ends Jaxon Lee (39 tackles) and David Nwabuoku (21 tackles) are each expected to heavily contribute in the trenches again this season along with defensive tackle Rodney Jones, a 2022 second team all-district honoree.

Plano East 3-out, courtesy of a big TFL on 3rd-1 by Jeff Sekula to bring down Daniel Fayombo for a loss. Punt, Plano ball at its 25. 0-0 @ 9:19/1Q pic.twitter.com/SfX7PelnrT

— Matt Welch (@MWelchSLM) September 24, 2022

In the secondary, Rohon Kazdi (37 tackles), Michael Lee (18 tackles), and Donald Smith are a talented trio of juniors opposing quarterbacks will have to be weary of when throwing the ball this fall.

Offensively, there are a lot more question marks. The Wildcats should be strong in the trenches with offensive linemen sophomore Brock Schlef and senior Jonathan Benson.

However, beyond that are the unknowns. White noted the Wildcats lack depth at the skill positions and will also be starting a new quarterback this fall. Senior running back Josh Campbell (98 rushing yards) is one of the Wildcats who will help fill the void in offensive production this fall.

But despite some of the holes remaining on offense, White still is full of confidence in this year’s team. He said Plano returns more experience than most other 6A schools. And with their defense shaping up to be rock solid this fall, a second-straight playoff berth appears to be in reach in 2023.

2023 Plano Wildcats Football Schedule

CLICK HERE to listen to the Texas HS Football Podcast, with Taylor Arenz