On Thursday night Allen and Lewisville traveled to John Clark Stadium in Plano for the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Lewisville came into the game stacked with multiple 5 and 4 star players, as well as multiple D1 commits. However, no one should ever count out Allen, as they came into the game with tough defense that is led by Texas Longhorns commit Zina Umeozulu.
Lewisville Fighting Farmers
The Farmers started strong as quarterback Ethan Terrell ran for an 80-yard touchdown on the 3rd play of the game, opening the scoring for Lewisville. Terrell totaled 144 yards on the ground and completed 8 of 20 passes through the air for 67 yards. Terrell found JJ Gonzales for 5 receptions putting up 49 yards, and Jaydan Hardy and Lamar Kerby, who each caught a 7-yard pass. With minimal yards through the air the Farmers took to the ground as Tenel Hill rushed for 24 yards on 2 carries rushing for a touchdown, and Tulsa commit Viron Ellison rushed for 11 yards on 12 carries.
Allen Eagles
The Eagles overcame some adversity as Quarterback Brady Bricker left the game with an injury. Senior Dylan Chapman and Sophomore Brett Holloway stepped up for the Eagles and made the plays they needed to. Before Bricker left the game he did some damage completing 3 of 4 passes for 24 yards and rushing for 36 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown scamper. Bricker targeted Quinton House Hammonds who had 3 receptions for 24 yards, but never reached the endzone. Chapman would complete 2 of 7 passes with one being to Micah Ellis for 8 yards, and Caleb Smith was stopped at the line of scrimmage with his lone reception. With little coming from the air, the Eagles pounded the rock as Micah Ellis rushed for 62 yards on 11 carries, Amir McDowell rushed for 28 yards on 8 carries, and Brett Holloway rushed for 5 yards on 4 scrambles. The defense, after giving up the 80-yard touchdown run to Terrell, made it difficult for Lewisville to move the ball. The Eagles defensive line swarmed passed the Farmer’s offensive line, sacking Terrell multiple times and shutting down the running game.
Special teams were the major factor for both teams as Lewisville long snapper sailed the first punt snap over the head of the punter and through the endzone. This gave Allen a 2-point safety and the energy they needed. After a Lewisville touchdown, Caleb Smith responded with a house call of his own with a 96 yard kickoff return touchdown. With the rain affecting Lewisville special teams, Allen long snapper Caden Beck was able to snap it consistently all night, as Allen kicker Braydon Nelson drilled a 30-yard field goal that extended the lead for the Eagles. It came down to the final minutes as Eagles defensive linemen Nathan “Tank” Marsh and Zina Umeozulu forced Lewisville Quarterback Ethan Terrell to heave the ball down the field in desperation. Eagles cornerback Kai Wheaton snagged the errant pass and gave the ball back to the Eagles. After Amir McDowell gained a first down to seal the deal, Dylan Chapman took a knee to close out the game.
Allen upsets Lewisville 18-17.
Next week, Allen continues their playoff campaign as they take on Arlington Martin, who the Eagles defeated earlier in the season 51-31 after the game was called after just three quarters due to weather. Martin defeated Richardson Berkner 42-16 and are on an 8-game winning streak. The game will take place on Friday, 11/17 at Southlake Carroll stadium.
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