Archives > Sports Update
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
There's no place like Homecoming: Allen cautious not to overlook Richardson
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
After opening the season with state-ranked opponents in Southlake Carroll and Cedar Hill, it would be natural for Allen to relax a bit heading in its Homecoming game against Richardson (0-2), which is 7:30 p.m. Friday at Eagle Stadium.
But Allen is drawing on last year as inspiration to ensure that doesn't happen.
Though Allen beat Lewisville last season, 45-13, the Eagles trailed in the second quarter and was only up 14-10 at the half.
"We have to continue to go hard in practice all week," added Marcus Ward, Allen senior running back. "And we have to have the mindset that we are playing a Southlake Carroll or a Cedar Hill, because if we don't have that mindset we could lose."
That philosophy has permeated up through the coaching staff.
"We aren't going to have a letdown against Richardson," said Tom Westerberg, Allen head coach.
If there is a challenge Richardson can present, it comes on offense. Though the visiting Eagles are winless thus far, they put up 26 points against Irving MacArthur and 24 versus Frisco Wakeland.
"Richardson has been playing well offensively," Westerberg said. "They have been moving the ball well and have a solid wide receiver corps."
Richardson is not a one-dimensional offense though, using a throwback run style too.
"I know they use the veer a lot," Pierce said. "They use that; really, they have a lot of different run formations."
As evidenced by Friday's 37-20 win over Cedar Hill, Allen is also plenty capable of running the ball and the Eagles have a variety of offensive options against a Richardson defense that frequently operates out of a 4-2 and has allowed a combined 116 points through the first two weeks of the season.
"I think our coaches have put a good game plan in place," Davis said.
That game plan has not focused much on the fact Friday is Allen's Homecoming.
"No, it hasn't even really been mentioned," Pierce said. "Our practices have been more focused on lifting, running and preparing for Richardson."
Davis agreed.
"Obviously you can get excited for Homecoming," he said, "but you also have to stay away from some of the distractions that can come with Homecoming."
Avoiding such distractions is paramount for a team that is already nationally ranked by USA Today and MaxPreps while also occupying the No. 4 slot in the state's Class 5A AP poll.
"We have been fighting to get to the top," Davis said. "We want to get there and once we do, we want to have the mindset that we can stay there all season."
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 ^
