The Allen and DeSoto rivalry continues in an intense matchup

Allen and DeSoto football programs are well known for their excellence on the field. It seems like every year, it is these two teams advancing through the Bi-district round of the playoffs and into the Areas, leading to an intense early round playoff game. For the past two years, Allen won both of that past two playoff meetings between the two teams.

Going into the game, Allen had a perfect 12-0 record, earning the 2^nd rank in the DigitalSports National Football Rankings and 1^st in Texas. DeSoto, at 10-2, sat in 70^th in the nation and 7^th in the state. Despite the seemingly large gap between the two teams, the rivalry always brings out the best of both teams, and that’s exactly what 40,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium saw.

DeSoto’s excellent passing defense made life difficult for Allen quarterback Kyler Murray. The all-star senior only completed seven of his 23 passes for just 97 yards. But what he could not accomplish in the air, Murray dominated in on the ground. Just a few minutes into the second quarter, Murray had already scored his second rushing touchdown of the game, giving Allen an early 14-0 lead.

Then DeSoto started to get to work. Larry Nixon tied the game with a 42-yard touchdown reception, followed by a 1-yard rush for a score to send the game into the half at a 14-14 stalemate. DeSoto’s lone touchdown followed by a two-point conversion was the only score of the third quarter, leading to an eight-point advantage going into the final quarter.

Allen looked for a response to DeSoto’s defense, and where did they find it? In no other than Kyler Murray. The quarterback broke out to a 46-yard rushing touchdown, and then tossed a pass to Jalen Guyton for a two-point conversion, tying the game back up at 22-a-piece.

Keeping DeSoto out of the endzone, Allen’s defense put the ball back in the offense’s hands with an opportunity to win the game. Eight plays later, Sawyer Williams converted on a field goal to put Allen ahead 25-22, on a game-winning kick.

This keeps Allen’s win streak that dates all the way back to September 2012 going. With only sixteen teams remaining in Texas’ Conference 6A D1, Allen looks to continue its march towards its third consecutive state championship.

Allen’s next game is against Martin High School on November 28 at 1:00pm. Ranking 79^th in the country and 8^th in Texas, Martin is coming off a 56-35 victory over Amarillo. The game will be played at the University of North Texas.