For Terry Gambill, his first state title as the head coach of the perennial powerhouse Allen Eagles will have to wait at least another year. In his first campaign Coach Gambill led his team to a 14-1 record and a Class 6A DI state semifinal appearance before losing to this year’s state runner-up in The Woodlands, 36-28.
Gambill who was the defensive coordinator for Allen in 2008 when they captured their first championship, had his team performing at the usual standard of excellence but with a different identity. Allen relied on the strength of their ground game which was led by a dynamic duo in junior running backs Brock Sturges and Kirby Bennett sticking it to opposing defensive fronts. Allen also had a relentless defense that suffocated offensive challengers as the defense held opponents to an average of 16.3 points a game with The Woodlands’ 36-point benchmark being the highest against Allen’s defense.
Participating in the largest classification in the UIL is no easy task, but Allen routinely finds themselves performing at the summit of excellence as validated by their 11th straight district title and postseason exploits since 2008.
Year after year the goal is to hoist another title and even though Allen will be losing a few key players, there is still more than enough talent to make Allen another favorite come next year.
Key Losses
RB Kirby Bennett, QB Mitchell Jonke, DL Cole Maxwell.
Kirby Bennett was an integral part of the offense throughout the year and his value was displayed even more throughout the playoffs. Bennett rushed for 808 yards and six touchdowns and would have probably been even more valuable next year, but Bennett has transferred to Nevada powerhouse Bishop Gorman.
Mitchell Jonke had the ability to expand the pocket and remain calm under pressure. His ability to roll out and find the man downfield helped him accumulate 2,530 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. On defense Cole Maxwell was a stud on the defensive line as he garnered the District 6-6A Defensive Player of the Year as his massive frame gave problems to other teams throughout the year.
Key Returners
RB Brock Sturges, WR Theo Wese, DL Jayden Jernigan.
Brock Sturges will now be the go-to man out the backfield as well as he should be after producing a year in which he ran for 1,138 yards and 16 touchdowns. Theo Wese should also be another weapon on offense as the receiver hauled in 35 receptions for 421 yards and eight touchdowns.
Defensive Newcomer of the Year Jayden Jernigan will be clogging up the middle on the defensive line as he will look to be the next great defensive lineman to step up and help lead Allen on defense.
The Verdict
Allen will once again find themselves vying for a state title and it may be time for opponents to buckle up even more as Allen will probably be on a warpath next season after coming so close to another title but falling short. Needless to say, Allen will be Allen come next year.
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