Archives > Sports Update
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
It's a trap: Eagles aware of importance game against Lions holds
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
Friday has all the makings of a trap game.
Allen (7-1, 3-0) is fresh off a win over McKinney Boyd that put it in the driver's seat in District 10-5A and returns to that same site (7:30 p.m., Ron Poe Stadium) to face a McKinney squad (5-3, 1-2) that is tied for fourth place in district and has lost three of its last four games.
But motivation doesn't appear to be a concern for the Eagles.
The Eagles are no doubt looking to win an outright district crown for the seventh straight season, but winning Friday would clinch at least a share of the 10-5A title.
"Allen is a great team," said Jeff Smith, McKinney head coach. "They're well coached, have some talented kids and they're the leader in our district with an undefeated record, so it's going to be an exciting game; one our kids feel is going to be a big challenge and one that we're very excited about."
McKinney provides some challenges as well, specifically the style of offense it runs. While Allen's past two opponents (Plano West, Boyd) were run first, the Lions will look to pass first.
"We're back to another spread offense," Westerberg said, "so I think the guys on the back end are going to have a chance to make some plays."
The defensive backfield will be challenged by Lions quarterback Robert Somborn.
"McKinney has a quarterback that has shown he is capable of making quite a few plays," Westerberg said. "Plus, he has been getting good protection up front."
A solid pocket has allowed Somborn to amass 2,285 yards and 26 touchdowns against only nine interceptions this season. The overwhelming number of Somborn's passes are targeted to Connor Fuentes, Jonathan Shannon and TV Williams, each of whom has at least 30 catches, 500 yards receiving and seven touchdown grabs.
Though the numbers aren't as gaudy, Allen has spread the ball around plenty to its receivers as well.
"We've been balanced in district," Westerberg said. "Been playing like that all year."
Westerberg's statement stands up as seniors Cameron Calcote, Oliver Pierce, Troy Knudsen, juniors Kendall Clinton, Cole Carter and Grant Finney all have at least 10 receptions.
"Our receivers have done a great job," Westerberg said. "We didn't have a whole lot of experience there to start the season, but they have all been solid."
Pierce (tied for second on the team with 20 catches) began the season as the starting quarterback before ceding that spot to sophomore Kyler Murray while Allen's reception leader (Clinton, 24 catches) has yet to start a game.
"Every time Kendall is in there, the ball just seems to come to him," Westerberg said.
That group, along with Murray, could be in for a big game Friday against a McKinney defense that has struggled of late. The Lions, operating out of a four-man front, have allowed at least 35 points in three of the past four weeks, including a season-high 64 in a loss to West last week.
Allen has reached at least 34 points six times this year.
Junior kicker Carlos Arochi played a big part in reaching that mark the last two weeks as he has made six field goals in that span.
"Carlos has been kicking well," Westerberg said. "And that's been big for us; of course you want to score touchdowns, but any time you get into the red zone you need to come away with points."
Another high-scoring output could well clinch a share of another district title.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Sports Update «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
