Football Game Preview: Allen Mustangs vs. Central Tigers

The Allen Mustangs will head out on the road to square off against the Central Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Allen has three straight wins, Central has four straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.

Allen took a 36-point loss the last time they faced off against Regent Prep, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Mustangs had just enough and edged out Regent Prep 51-48. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Mustangs have posted since October 4, 2024.

Allen's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Quinton Box, who rushed for 153 yards and three TDs, and also threw for 100 yards and one touchdown. Box has become a key player for the Mustangs: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two rushing touchdowns, but 1-3 otherwise. Davion Byrd was in the mix as well, providing Allen with two scores.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Allen was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 403 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

Another reason for the win was Allen's imposing defensive line, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. In that department, Nate Boeck was the leader with two.

Meanwhile, Central took a blow against Mounds on Thursday, falling 52-6.

Central now has a losing record of 3-4. As for Allen, they now have a winning record of 4-3.

Allen was taken down by Central 47-8 in their previous matchup back in October of 2024. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Mustangs were down 35-0.