DENTON, Texas — Running back Brock Sturges rushed for a game-high 177 yards to lead Allen to a 41-20 win over Euless Trinity in the 6A Regional Finals on Saturday at Apogee Stadium.
The victory continues an undefeated season for Allen (14-0). The Eagles have won each of their playoff games by an average of 22 points.
Things were close in the first half, as Euless Trinity (11-3) took a 13-7 lead early in the second quarter on a 13-yard run and score by Courage Keihn. Keihn looked to be wrapped up by multiple defenders about three yards short of the goal line, but managed to scratch and claw his way into the end zone. He also scored Trinity’s first touchdown, capping off a 10-play drive on the first possession of the game. Keihn finished with a total of 147 yards on the ground.
From there, Allen scored 27 unanswered points, gaining the edge in the second quarter. Allen regained the lead on an impressive run by quarterback Grant Tisdale. Tisdale fumbled the snap but was still able to find a crease running to his left for a nine-yard scamper, helping Allen regain a 14-13 lead.
Sara Carpenter/TexasHSFootball
To end the half, Tisdale continued to work magic under center. On the last play of the half, Tisdale spun out of one tackle, outran another diving defender and managed to flip the ball as he was thrown down for what looked like a guaranteed sack. Instead, the ball flew just above a linebacker’s head into the hands of Andrew Magee in the flat, who ran it in for an 11-yard score. Tisdale finished with 99 yards passing, 51 yards rushing and 3 total touchdowns.
Allen took the momentum into the locker room and came out to extend its lead in the second half. Despite settling for a field goal on their first possession of the third quarter, Allen’s defense quickly got the ball back to the offense, which rode Sturges once again for a 30-yard touchdown to make the score 31-13.
Early in the fourth, Trinity fumbled a snap on a punt attempt and was tackled on its own one-yard line, setting up a perfect opportunity for Allen. Allen was unable to find the end zone, but added to its lead with a 25-yard field goal.
Sara Carpenter/TexasHSFootball
Later in the fourth, Trinity looked to put together a late comeback. A three-yard run by quarterback Laki Ellis made it a two-score game with 4:06 remaining. Ultimately, the Trojans were unable to put any more points on the board after Allen recovered an onside kick attempt and proceeded to run out the clock. A 30-yard touchdown run by Tisdale with 2:13 remaining sealed the victory for Allen.
This is the third time in the past four years that Euless Trinity has been eliminated by Allen in the playoffs. Trinity’s season ended at the hands of the Eagles in the first round in 2016 and in 2014’s Regional Final at Apogee Stadium.
Sara Carpenter/TexasHSFootball
For Allen, the win brings them to the State Semifinals for the sixth consecutive season. The run began in 2012, advancing to the championship game and earning two state titles in three years.
Allen hasn’t been able to replicate the end-of-season dominance in recent seasons. The Eagles have lost the semifinal game in each of the past two years, falling to the Woodlands last year and versus Westlake in 2015.
Details of Allen’s next matchup are to be announced.
Brought to you by:
