No. 5 Allen

Texas' Class 5A is a competitive landscape loaded with storied programs, stellar coaches and outstanding teams. In 2011, Allen looks primed to rise to the top of the football world in the Lone Star State.

The defending 8-5A district champions finished 10-2 last season, the second loss a two-point, season-ending setback at the hands of Trinity.

With quarterback Alec Morris, running back Jonathan Williams and receivers Andrew Rodriquez and Oliver Pierce all returning, the Eagles' offense will fly high in 2011. It should be even better than last year's offense, which averaged more than 38 points per game.

Defensively, Allen's linebackers will be difficult to scheme against. Thaddeus LaGrone, who had 87 tackles and five sacks last year, is back alongside 8-5A Defensive Newcomer of the Year Nick Cobb, as well as all-region picks Chris Hudson at linebacker.



With 14 starters back, Allen is a favorite to be one of the final 5A teams standing in December.

Local look: "With its enrollment (more than 5,200), Allen is always going to be solid and have great depth. But what sets them apart this year is they're loaded at the skill positions. You could count on them having huge linemen and a sound defense and scheme but with guys like (quarterback Alec Morris) and (Jonathan Williams) they truly have it all this year." - Matt Wixon, Dallas Morning News

Continue to School Profile{PAGEBREAK}


School size: 5A


Enrollment: 5,200 (approx.)


2010 finish: 10-2


Head coach: Tom Westerberg




Career record: 76-14


Years at school: 7


Notable players coached:
QB Casey Dick (Arkansas)
OL J.D. Dalton (Baylor, NFL)


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No. of returning starters: 7 (offense), 7 (defense)

Key losses:
LB Melvin Spears
WR Jonathan Rodriguez
OL Justin Wotring

Key returners:
QB Alec Morris
RB Jonathan Williams
LB Thaddeus LaGrone



Key newcomers:
RB Jeff Harris


Continue to Season Outlook{PAGEBREAK}

Toughest game: Cedar Hill (Texas). Allen's toughest game might be its first, an opening showdown with powerful Cedar Hill, a threat to win the 5A crown in its own right.

Top local contenders: The Dallas area will once again be rough terrain in 2011. Trinity and Aledo are also Top 25 teams, but Cedar Hill, Coppell, Longview and several others have that type of potential.

Question marks: Allen loses the most off the offensive line and in the secondary. Coach Westerberg will be watching both very closely this summer.

Overall outlook: A very balanced team, Allen should do well in pass-happy shootouts as well as slower-paced, run-dominated games. Capturing a state title in Texas is always a long, treacherous path, but the Eagles have enough talent and experience to last.

Coach quote: "I feel as good about this group as any we've had. Our front seven is pretty solid and our skill guys are proven. The one concern we have is our secondary. We're moving guys around there, trying to find the right combination. Overall, we're looking forward to the season." - Tom Westerberg