7 p.m. today, Texas Stadium.

Radio: KDKR-FM (91.3), KVCE-AM (1160).

TV: Ch. 21 (tape-delayed at approximately 11 p.m.)

THE BOTTOM LINE

Plano will win if ...

Plano's offense scores early and forces Trinity's ground-oriented offense to play from behind. Plano's receivers can make big plays if they can get behind the Trinity secondary. Plano's defense will be critical on first and second down to force Trinity into obvious throwing situations.

Euless Trinity will win if ...

Trinity's offense scores early, it can play ball control and keep the Plano offense on the sideline. Trinity's huge offensive front could wear down a smaller, lighter Plano defense, especially by the fourth quarter. Trinity's defensive front must keep RB Rex Burkhead from getting big yardage on first and second down to set up the pass.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

When Plano runs the ball

Plano RB Rex Burkhead averages 5.9 yards a carry and has scored a rushing TD in every game. He's accounted for 13 TDs in the playoffs. Trinity allows just 68 rushing yards a game, but Burkhead always finds a way to make an impact.

EDGE: Plano

When Trinity runs the ball

A power running attack is Trinity's bread and butter. Trinity averages 242.5 yards on the ground. Plano's lighter defenders will be challenged to slow Trinity's massive offensive line.

EDGE: Trinity

When Plano throws the ball

The downfield passing of lefty Carson Meger and a trio of talented receivers has transformed Plano's offense. Arlington Bowie was able to move the ball through the air last week against Trinity but couldn't finish. Plano can finish.

EDGE: Plano

When Trinity throws the ball

Plano has faced stronger passing attacks – nearly losing in the first round to Rockwall – and survived. Trinity is better at throwing the ball than it gets credit for. But passing takes Trinity away from its primary advantage up front and plays into the hands of Plano's ball-hawking defense.

EDGE: Plano

Special Teams

Neither team punts exceptionally well. Burkhead returned a punt for a TD last week. If it comes down to a field goal, Trinity's Pery Negreiros has kicked 12. Plano's Ryan McDuff has kicked just four.

EDGE: Trinity

Intangibles

Both teams are well-coached by men who own championship rings. Neither is undefeated, but both teams are led by junior quarterbacks. It's a toss-up, really, but Trinity seems on a mission to reclaim a state title it lost in last year's mammoth battle with Southlake Carroll.

EDGE: Trinity

STAFF PICKS

Randy Jennings - Trinity 21, Plano 17: Trinity's size wears Plano down in second half.

Bobbi Roquemore - Trinity 27, Plano 20: Plano's offense reached the end zone with ease through the first four playoff rounds, but Trinity's offense hasn't exactly struggled, either. Trinity's defense is sturdy enough to withstand Plano's storm.

Keith Whitmire - Plano 28, Trinity 27: Plano's big-play receiving corps makes the difference.

Todd Wills - Plano 28, Trinity 13: That "Plano Mystique" that even a great winning program like Trinity doesn't have is the difference again.

SEASON RESULTS

EULESS TRINITY

PLANO