With nationally ranked competitors on this season’s schedule, Allen’s greatest adversary was not found in Shreveport’s Evangel Christian Academy, who they routed 45-10 in a game riddled with Evangel turnovers. According to Head Coach Terry Gambill, even the steepest district competitors aren’t their primary threat.
“The biggest challenge we face is ourselves,” said Terry Gambill, Head Coach of the Allen Eagles. “How well we practice, how well we take care of our bodies, and how well we perform as a team.”
The Allen Eagles are undoubtedly rising to meet the challenge, scoring a total of 70 points in their first two games and holding opponents to a cumulative of 17 points. The team chemistry isn’t isolated to the football field.
“We have a senior class who is doing a great job with leadership”, said Gambill. “This team really cares about each other.”
One of those seniors is quarterback Mitchell Jonke. Jonke shares his position with sophomore Grant Tisdale. Due to the high level of skill represented among the Eagles, the team dynamic doesn’t change under the dual quarterback leadership.
“We have a great deal of depth at all of our skilled positions,” said Justin Dozier, offensive coach. “This also helps us to stay fresh and wear down a good defense.” With depth at every position and rotation among the offense, the squad makes up the epitome of team. Regardless of who is taking the snap, the goal remains the same.
Unique to Allen is a preseason schedule packed with nationally ranked football programs, from Hoover (Alabama) last week to Evangel (Louisiana) this week. Kicking off the season playing teams at the highest level could present distinct advantages for the team. Many, however, argue that it is more beneficial to play teams that will likely be encountered during a playoff run. To Coach Gambill, it makes no difference.
“Whoever you are playing can beat you,” said Gambill. “In the game of Texas high school football, you can lose as easily as you can win.”
Instead of spending time critiquing the competition, the program is built on introspection and a constant pursuit of excellence.
“Any time we can get under the Friday night lights, it tells us something about our team,” said Gambill. Equipped with this knowledge, the Eagles are able to polish all facets of the game.
With a consistently successful program, Allen has motivation for staying hungry.
“Our players understand that everyone wants to beat Allen,” said Dozier. “To be a part of this offense, you have to be unselfish. It’s all about the team and not individual stats.”
Dozier went on to explain that Coach Gambill reiterates, “We will win.” The motto extends beyond athletics as the coaching staff encourages athletes to be their very best. “Stay humble and stay hungry.”
Allen is out to take back the state title. After back-to-back-to-back titles in 2012- 2014, Allen lost in the semifinal round last year to Westlake. The key to victory begins now. “Its about preparation from Monday to game time,” said Gambill. Allen will continue its march to December next week against Coppell.
