Bo Levi Mitchell stays calm when Katy’s opponents pressure the Tigers to pass instead of run.

A year ago, that might not have been the case for Katy’s now-senior quarterback.

But a deep stable of talent, including five dependable receivers and Division I-bound running back Aundre Dean, has that effect on Mitchell, who will quarterback the Tigers (15-0) in the 5A-Division II state championship game against Pflugerville (12-3) Saturday night at the Alamodome.

No longer is he the self-proclaimed “gunslinger” of a year ago.

Efficient best describes Mitchell, who averages more 18 yards per completion and has 34 touchdowns to a scant four interceptions.

The senior, who verbally committed to Hawaii Monday night, credits quarterback coach Pat Dowling for his emergence.

“That’s something he’s really impressed on me,” Mitchell said. “He and (head) coach (Gary) Joseph have always told me I don’t have to be the team. I don’t have to make everything happen. Just come out and be efficient. If I get seven yards with the pass and get the first-down, just do that. They’ve just taught me to not always go out there and look for the big play, just get out there and play small ball and win the game. …

“It also has a lot to do with my receivers. Last year I wasn’t sure if somebody was going to catch it but I can go any route I want and I know the guy is gonna catch it. I have five great receivers. I have a running back who can catch anything. I can throw the deep ball if I need to and I know they’re going to run it down, or I can throw a short pass and they’ll make the hard catch.”

Mitchell is 125-of-225 for 2,312 yards. He hasn’t attempted more than 25 passes in a game or thrown for more than 285.

Both those marks came in the regional semifinal against Pasadena Memorial.

Joey Fuda has 12 touchdowns receiving; Terrence Avie and Ryan Doerr have six apiece.

But those numbers don’t mean Katy plans to give up the run game anytime soon – at least not as long as they have a back like Dean, who has nearly 2,300 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns.

“A lot of teams are going to the spread but that’s not our makeup,” Dowling said. “The thing with Bo and our team this year is we feel we have kids who can execute a passing game. We have a quarterback who can throw and receivers who can catch and complement what we do running the ball. When the running game is effective, it’s going to help with efficiency.”

Dean has caught three touchdown passes.

It’s a different scenario this year than last for Mitchell, a two-year starter who said last year he mostly looked for the now-graduated Michael Fuda, Joey’s older brother, to make a big play.

“This year I’m analyzing the defense, seeing what’s open and taking what I can get,” Mitchell said. “I think I’ve come a long way. …

“Throwing the short ball sometimes is just as important as throwing the deep ball,” Mitchell said. “You have to take what you can get. I learned that last year, then my junior season was all about being a student of the game and … getting as close to perfection as I can get.”

That's what the Rainbow Warriors will expect. They entered the recruiting fray relatively late but edged the likes of Stephen F. Austin and Colorado School of Mines to land Mitchell.

For now, Mitchell will enjoy the rewards of being a star in a football-crazy town, like being honked at wherever someone sees him in his truck. Katy is seeking its fifth state championship and first since 2003.

“It (the playoff run) is about giving back to the community,” Mitchell said. “They’re out there every game, no matter the weather or anything. They’re there after the game and before the game. I (interpret) my role as giving back to the community.”

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