PLANO – Members of the Plano defense are accustomed to sharing the spotlight.

Early in the season, it was with an offense that had suddenly discovered the forward pass and the shotgun.

This week, it is with a Skyline defense that ranks No. 1 among area 5A schools in total defense entering today's 5A Division I Region II Final at Mesquite Memorial Stadium.

Skyline's defense has three of the top 26 players on SportsDay's Area Top 100 recruiting list, including linebackers Spencer Reeves and Alfred Dupree, who have committed to Minnesota and Oklahoma State, respectively.

Plano's defense? It features a bunch of guys not named Billy Ray (the best-known Plano product is probably former Arkansas All-American and San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith) with a scholarship offer here and there.

"It's a no-name defense," Plano defensive end Beau Brence said. "But our defense more and more is starting to have an attitude. We are fun to watch."

Plano prides itself on good team defense. The Wildcats rank 19th in the area, allowing 293.6 yards per game, but there are other numbers that put Plano's defense on equal footing with Skyline's.

Plano allows 14.7 points per game and has held its opponents to fewer than 10 points in eight of 13 games. Skyline allows 7.3 points per game and has also held opponents to fewer than 10 points in eight of 13 games.

"They have a good defense," Plano defensive tackle Landen Kershaw said. "We have a good defense, too. Them being so good really gets us going."

Like many of their mates on the Plano defense, Kershaw and Brence are undersized. Kershaw is a 6-2, 200-pound defensive tackle; Brence is a 6-4, 215-pound defensive end who gives up as much as 50 pounds to opposing offensive tackles.

Outside linebacker Chris Mendenhall, Plano's best defensive player, is listed at 180 pounds, but he really weighs 160. Plano's other defensive tackle, Brennen Hardy, is 6-1, 220 pounds but was dominant against Westfield.

Plano doesn't have the speed at linebacker that Skyline does, but seniors like Mendenhall and middle linebacker CJ Martin make plays. Martin has a team-high 90 tackles and had a crucial interception in last week's 31-19 regional semifinal victory over Spring Westfield, halting what could have been a devastating comeback.

Plano has had spectacular play in the secondary, from cornerbacks Raphael Smith and Kenny Watkins to safety LaRon Kelly, who played so well early that it allowed the coaching staff to keep standout running back Rex Burkhead on offense. Watkins has two interceptions and made a key pass breakup early against Westfield.

This Plano defense has better depth than, say, the 2005 state quarterfinal group that sent players to Harvard and Utah State. The Wildcats have been hit by injuries to safety Ryan Campbell and defensive end Cameron Kistler, two of the team's most consistent players.

But Justin Collins has played well in Campbell's place and had the game-clinching interception in Plano's bi-district game against Rockwall. Luke Terrell filled in for Kistler against Westfield and had a half-sack.

"What matters to us is the end of the day, no matter who you play, how did you play?" Martin said. "We've gone up against Allen and Rockwall. We know what it takes."

Plano will get a different test in a Skyline offense that features the running and passing of quarterback Troy Stoudermire.

Plano's defense has faced elusive running quarterbacks, including Allen's Matt Brown, Plano East's Riko Smalls and Rockwall's Braden Smith. Brown had the best game, running for 112 yards on 16 carries. Smalls and Smith were mostly held in check with 51 and 54 yards, respectively, but both were able to make key plays with their legs.

All of those players look to pass first. Stoudermire wants to take off. He had 1,069 yards and is averaging 7.6 yards per carry.

Brence said Stoudermire reminds him of Mesquite running back Jeremy Hernandez, one of the top athletes in the area who was injured early in the season. Hernandez had 116 yards against Plano in the season opener.

"Stoudermire's a slick runner," Brence said. "He can make a play at any point in the game. He's so shifty."

Plano hopes to counter with 11 players who have spent a ton of time in the film room studying Stoudermire's tendencies.

Plano allowed only 63 yards to a Westfield rushing attack that was averaging 243 yards per game.

"Our defense, we like to hit people," Martin said. "We watch a lot of film and try to be where they're going to run."

5A Division I Region I Final: Plano (12-1) vs. Skyline (12-1), 2 p.m. today, Mesquite Memorial Stadium. Radio: KFXR-AM 1190; TV: tape-delayed at approximately 11 p.m. on Ch. 21

KEYS FOR PLANO DEFENSE

1:   Find Stoudermire: The one time a quarterback went for more than 100 yards against Plano this season – Allen's Matt Brown had 112 yards – the Wildcats lost their only game. Skyline QB Troy Stoudermire will provide Plano its toughest test.

2.   Force turnovers: Plano has five interceptions and two fumble recoveries in three playoff games. CB Kenny Watkins has two picks, including one he returned for a touchdown to tie the bi-district game against Rockwall.

3.   Rely on depth: DE Cameron Kistler, Plano's sack leader, is out this week, so Luke Terrell, Derek Davis and Ryan Holland will have to fill in. The Wildcats have had solid play from backups.