The Allen Eagles and Arlington Martin Warriors were both searching for their first regular season win as both teams started the season 0-2.
In the first half, we saw a whole new Allen defense as Allen defensive tackle Nathan “tank” Marsh would knock it out of the ball carrier’s arm 20 yards into the endzone and would be recovered by Maximus Dudley for Allen’s first touchdown of the game. Umeozulu would lead his defense and hold Martin to only 9 points in the first half. Not only was the Eagles defense coming alive and playing amazing, but their offense got hot and never slowed down, as junior quarterback Brady Bricker would complete 85 percent of his passes, going 11 for 13 for 123 yards and a touchdown pass to Caleb Smith. One of Brickers other targets, Quinton House-Hammonds, caught 5 passes for 56 yards. We would also see rising running back Amir McDowell, who would get 8 touches for 64 yards on the night, rush for a 43-yard touchdown run to end the half for the Eagles.
The Martin Warriors Quarterback Brooks Briggance struggled in the first half trying to get the ball in the endzone. Martin ended up relying on their kicker Harry Davidson to keep up with the Allen scoring, as 9 points on three field goals was all Martin could muster up. Martin ended up with only 180 yards of total offense in the first half.
After the second half was delayed 2-3 hours due to lightning, the Allen Eagles stayed hot as Bricker, who ended up completing 6 more passes out of 7 attempts for 90 more yards in the second half, including a 42-yard touchdown strike to Messiah Washington. Washington ended up catching 5 passes for 95 yards on the night. Not only was Bricker a threat through the air, but he would also pose as a run threat. Bricker rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns. His first rushing touchdown would go for 58 yards untouched and end up escaping the pocket on 4th and 6 and rushing 30 yards into the endzone. Allen running back Micah Ellis would also find himself in the endzone, rushing for 63 yards off 5 touches.
We would also see a whole new Martin Warriors offense as Quarterback Brooks Briggance would rush for an 88-yard touchdown on the first play of their first second-half drive. Briggance would end up rushing for 131 yards total for the game Briggance would also have success through the air as he found Daylon Cobb in the endzone for a 70-yard passing touchdown, as this would be Cobbs’ only target of the night. Cobb did, however, have 42 yards rushing off 16 touches. Briggance was also able to find Trantan Miles in the endzone for a 31-yard strike. Miles ended up with 2 catches for 64 yards. Briggance would end up going 6 for 15 on the game, passing for 196 yards and two passing touchdowns. Briggance turned out to be the star of the Martin team last night. Briggance is the team’s backup Quarterback and had to step up, when Martins, the starting quarterback went down injured in a previous game. Not only is Briggance playing Quarterback, but he also returns kickoffs and serves as the team’s punter. Despite the 51-31 loss, Briggance shined, leading Martin with touchdown runs, touchdown passes, and kickoff returns.
Next week, Allen starts their district play at Mckinney ISD stadium where they take on the Boyd Broncos, who beat Plano West in overtime 34-28. Arlington Martin will defend their home turf at Choctaw Stadium in a non-district game against Temple, who are 1-2 so far this season.
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