WYLIE – Polo Killman, the South Garland football transfer, didn't get the flags that spelled out AHMO at Wylie football games. Or the muscle bands his teammates wore with the same letters, signifying the school's rally cry.

Then Killman played for Wylie in its final nondistrict game against Hebron, the team that knocked Wylie out of the playoffs in the quarterfinals last year. At that point, Killman knew what it meant to wear the maroon, black and white of Wylie.

"That's one of the most emotional games I've ever lost," said Killman, a senior linebacker in his first season at Wylie. "I felt like I had a purpose. I wanted so much to do what I could to help us win.

"When we lost, I've never been around so many grown teenage men crying," he said. "They wanted that game so much."

Killman, who played as a freshman at Rowlett, then as a junior at South Garland – he sat out his sophomore year because it was ruled he transferred for athletic purposes – said he walked into a far different football world when his family moved to Wylie in January.

Welcomed by most players, he found himself having to gain acceptance from a few by proving that he wanted to play football. He found more team unity, more of a family atmosphere at Wylie. He liked that.

"We were like individuals at South Garland," Killman said. "There are a lot more Division I athletes at South Garland.

"We have good football players here," he said. "They work a lot harder at Wylie."

MATT NAGER/DMN

Wylie's Polo Killman, who has 40 solo tackles, wraps up Richardson Berkner quarterback Justin Johnson. Wylie is Killman's third high school. 'Over here, he's been a lot more motivated,' coach Bill Howard said.

Killman (6-3, 240) has more than proven himself on the field, with his statistics and his versatility. He has 40 solo tackles and 22 assists. He is a constant in the opponent's backfield, even if his four tackles for losses and three sacks aren't mind-boggling numbers. Killman, who has been offered a scholarship by Tulane, had his first interception in last Friday's 36-0 loss to Plano East.

He has played everywhere along Wylie's front seven, from defensive end in a four-man front to nose guard and defensive tackle in Wylie's base three-man front. Killman shifted back to his natural position, inside linebacker, when defensive lineman Jammie Seepaul returned from an injury in a 20-10 victory over Plano on Oct. 20.

"Polo's really meshed well with the rest of our kids," Wylie coach Bill Howard said. "Over here, he's been a lot more motivated."

Born Sidney Don Polo Killman, the name Polo goes by comes from his mother's father, Leopoldo. His father's name is Sid. His father's father's name is Don.

Killman said he has attended three high schools because of his father's job as a pastor.

Killman was slated to start at linebacker his sophomore year at linebacker at South Garland, but a district executive committee ruled that he transferred for athletic reasons. He helped South Garland reach the Class 5A playoffs last year.

Killman has helped Wylie make the jump to 5A, convincing his teammates there isn't much difference between 4A and 5A. "The biggest difference is intimidation," he said.

He said Wylie is the most disciplined team he has ever played on, even though the school has a reputation for playing on the edge, one that was spotlighted again earlier this season after Richardson Berkner coaches accused Wylie of dirty plays.

"We just play hard," Killman said. "Wylie has Ahmo, and while I thought it was a kind of a joke at first, now I know how serious it is."

E-mail twills@dallasnews.com

School, class: Wylie, Sr.

Height, weight: 6-3, 240

Position: Inside linebacker

Favorite subject: U.S. History

Favorite music: Country and hip hop

Favorite book: The Great Gatsby

Favorite movie: Saw III

Favorite pregame meal: A double quarter- pounder from McDonald's

Favorite postgame meal after a win: CiCi's pizza

Wylie (3-5, 2-3 District 9-5A) vs. Plano West (4-4, 3-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Murphy's Kimbrough Stadium (KVCE-AM 1160)