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Big Game Hunters: Allen heads into state semis plenty familiar with pressure
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
After beating Southlake Carroll in the season opener, Allen football head coach Tom Westerberg said, "It was a big game because it prepares us for the next big game."
After months of big games, Allen (13-1) prepares for its biggest game to date as it heads into the Class 5A State Semifinals (6 p.m. Saturday at SMU's Ford Stadium) against DeSoto (14-0), which is the top-ranked team in the Max Preps Xcellent 25 national poll.
"We've been in the big game atmosphere all season," Westerberg said. "From opening up the stadium against Southlake to playing Cedar Hill to going through a tough district and then in the playoffs we had to beat an undefeated Mesquite team and then a one-loss Skyline team that was playing really well.
Allen's experience goes even deeper with senior wide receiver Oliver Pierce, senior defensive lineman Stone Drulman and senior linebacker Nick Cobb sporting team and individual wrestling state titles.
"Those guys have competed at the highest level in an individual sport," Westerberg said, "so we can definitely draw on that experience."
Drulman, Cobb and the rest of the Allen defense will face quite a challenge against a DeSoto offense that has reached or passed 60 points four times and scored at least 37 in 13-of-14 games, the most recent coming Saturday in a 49-45 victory over Southlake Carroll.
On the other side of the ball, that was the sixth time DeSoto's defense has allowed at least 24 points, a number the Allen offense has reached in every game this season, including a 37-17 win against Skyline in the Region II Finals.
"If it's a shootout, it's a shootout," said Kyler Murray, sophomore quarterback. "But we're going to try to go in there and dominate; that's what we want to do every week."
Any shootout involving DeSoto revolves around quarterback Desmon White and running back Dontre Wilson.
White has thrown for 3,150 yards and 31 touchdowns against only six interceptions. He is also a threat to leave the pocket, as evidenced by his 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
"DeSoto is very athletic, but we've faced those types of potent offenses all season and throughout the playoffs," Westerberg said. "We went up against Kenny Hill from Southlake and then Devante (Kincade) from Skyline last week, so we've seen mobile quarterbacks too. Desmon is somewhat similar to those guys, but I'd say he is a little smaller and a little quicker."
Quick is also a good descriptor for Wilson, who was listed in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd last week.
Wilson has run for 1,856 yards and 36 touchdowns this year to go along with 691 yards and eight touchdowns receiving. The only DeSoto player with better receiving numbers is Brandon McDowell.
"DeSoto will use [Wilson] a lot of different ways," Westerberg said. "But once you see that foot plant north and south, get ready because he's going."
Wilson (Oregon) is one of several DeSoto seniors already committed to a Division I school. That list includes offensive lineman Sergio Phillips (San Diego State), defensive backs Taylor Lewis (Oklahoma State) and Myron Turner (Washington State).
"DeSoto is the same as Skyline (with its number of DI recruits)," Pierce said. "It's going to be tough, but we're ready to go to work."
Though that's not to say Skyline and DeSoto are the same in all aspects.
"DeSoto's linebackers are not as big or physical as Skyline's were, but they're probably quicker," Westerberg said. "So that means our inside receivers won't be blocking 6-foot-3, 200-pound guys."
They will have to look out for Taylor Young though as the DeSoto linebacker was making plays across the field Saturday against Carroll. Another name that jumped out to Allen while scouting film is Bryce English, a nose tackle that has a similar build to Allen junior lineman Lance Williams.
"[English] is a big body up front for them," Westerberg said. "He's been playing well, that whole front has; and they sub a lot of guys in to stay fresh."
Substitution patterns are the name of the game for Allen as well.
In addition to the myriad of subs used on both lines, Allen has six wideouts (Pierce, seniors Troy Knudsen, Cameron Calcote, juniors Cole Carter, Kendall Clinton, Grant Finney) that Murray frequently targets. All six caught passes Saturday against Skyline and each has more than 15 catches, 225 yards receiving and at least one touchdown this year.
Which team's versatility is more effective will be determined Saturday at SMU.
"You want your kids to be excited at this point," Westerberg said. "But you also want them to be locked in because it's down to just a few teams.
"If you lose focus now, you're out."
Oliver wins Landry Award
It hasn't been all work this week as Pierce was one of five finalists for The Landry Award, which was given out Monday during a banquet at the Communities Foundation of Texas.
Jesuit wideout Jake Oliver won the award.
Finalists were selected by a panel of former coaches, players, media members and local leaders.
"The main thing I thought was great was the fact [Pierce] was nominated by a lot of coaches from teams we played against," Westerberg said. "They recognize what he does for us, from his style of play to the fact that he's a true competitor."
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