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Last of the Unbeatens: Boyd, Allen collide in potential district decider

BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com

Published: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 1:32 PM CDT

It's only the third game of district.

But in the six-team 10-5A, that means the midway point.

And with only two undefeated teams remaining, Friday's 7:30 p.m. clash at Ron Poe Stadium between Allen (6-1, 2-0) and McKinney Boyd (5-2, 2-0) may determine if the Eagles are able to win their seventh straight district crown or if the Broncos win just their second in program history.

"The first, second, third, fourth, fifth," said Tom Westerberg, Allen head coach, "we want to win them all because the kids know how important district titles are around here."

To continue its streak, which runs back to 2006, Allen will have to stop Boyd.

"Allen is a great football program, no doubt," said Don Drake, Boyd head coach. "They're very solid defensively and offensively, they're very explosive. They're a tradition-rich program, so we know we're going to have to play really well if we're going to have an opportunity to win the game."

Stopping Boyd, means stopping Bryan Driskell.

The Broncos running back has 1,261 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground this season to go along with his 12 receptions and multiple kick return touchdowns.

"Boyd is a running team," Westerberg said, "and Driskell can take it the distance every time."

That being said, Allen isn't dismissing Boyd's passing attack.

That contingent is led by quarterback Curtis Ladd, who has thrown for 655 yards and seven touchdowns. Ladd's leading targets have been Patrick Ladd, Dedrick Scrivens and Driskell, all of whom have double-digit receptions.

"Boyd's quarterback operates very well," Westerberg said. "He doesn't have big numbers, but he makes the right throws and then the right reads on the option."

A portion of that statement could apply to Allen's offense too.

"We don't have any of the Metroplex's leaders," Westerberg said, "but that's largely because we spread the ball out, which has been working out so far for us."

The Allen offense had put up gaudy numbers, surpassing 40 points for the fourth time in its past five games, despite personnel changes. Primary among those changes has been putting sophomore Kyler Murray in at starting quarterback when district play began. Murray completed 17-of-18 passes to open 10-5A against Plano East (a 56-0 win) and accounted for five touchdowns Friday against Plano West (a 47-25 victory).

"I think Kyler has adjusted very well," Westerberg said. "He was throwing high early in our last game, but made the adjustments and settled in."

Also making an adjustment has been senior Marcus Ward, who has gone from sharing carries with senior Jeff Harris to being the primary running back following Harris' injury.

Ward had just 55 yards against the Wolves, but scored twice versus the Panthers.

"I think Marcus might have been more comfortable splitting carries, but he is developing that attitude now that 'he's the guy,'" Westerberg said. "Maybe he feels like he hasn't played his best so far, but he'll get there."

Both Murray and Ward will face a stout challenge against a 3-4 Boyd defensive front that likes to bring pressure. The Broncos struggled with consistency in their first two games (allowing a combined 69 points in losses to Mesquite Horn and Coppell), but have yet to surrender more than 21 points during their five-game winning streak.

"Boyd is very aggressive with what they do on defense," Westerberg said. "They like to force the issue and do a lot of blitzing."

If its offensive line holds the block, Allen could put up the point totals (42 in 2008 and 45 in 2009) seen the last time these two teams were in the same district. If that happens, the Eagles will take their biggest step to date toward a 10-5A Championship.

"This is a big game," Westerberg said, "but we look at every game as one to decide the district title."

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