That best sums up Phillip Ely's tenure as Plant's starting quarterback. Heading into his senior season, perfection as a starter is something not even the great Robert Marve or Aaron Murray can claim before him.

Remind him of that, and the Plant senior QB stays humble. He knows his success can be attributed to Plant's dominance as an overall program just as much as it can to his ability.

But you can't deny these facts.

No Plant QB has been more clutch in big games as early in his career as Ely.

Factor his pick-me-up win over Hillborough in 2008 followed by his thrilling TD passes to Orson Charles to beat Armwood in the 4A regional final. That set the table for Murray's return and Plant's title number two.

In 2009, the final three games defined him.

A win at Countryside in the mud in a game that clearly could have gotten away. Ely kept the Panthers on track. The following week, he led the Panthers into Bryant Stadium and toppled Polk County dynasty Lakeland. He finished at the Citrus Bowl, leading Plant to their third state championship in four years. Put it all together and Phillip Ely has had a near-perfect Plant career.

But he's not done yet.