In the annual homecoming game, the Allen Eagle football team reflected the dominance of years past in a 61-19 dismantling of the Plano West Wolves to improve their record to 5-0 on the season.

Led by a dynamic two-headed rushing attack, the Eagles were unstoppable on offense as they scored six rushing touchdowns on the night. Starting running backs Brock Sturges and Kirby Bennett combined for 130 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns before being pulled out at half time, and there was no drop off when backup Juwan Robinson came in as he rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback Mitchell passed for one touchdown and 150 yards before being pulled in the second quarter. Wide receiver Josh Cornell led the team in receiving yards, accumulating  59 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Senior Receiver Josh Cornell makes a catch against a Plano West Defender.  

“It all starts with our offensive line,” Sturges said. “We can’t do anything without the offensive line, so big shout out to them. The coaching staff also had a great gameplan. They had us ready to go.”

The Eagle defense kept up its hot start to the season, giving up only 167 total yards and holding Plano West to only one third down conversion. The Eagles did not allow West to score until there was four minutes left in the third quarter, and they forced the Wolves to punt seven times in the game.  

“The kids work really hard,” defensive coordinator Cory Cain said. “They really care a lot. Our kids work hard in the film room and they understand what’s coming their way.”

Special teams also played a key role in the game, as kickers Michael Ewton made field goals of 41 and 30 yards respectively. But the special teams play of the night came from junior Taj Bickham, as he returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.

“I was comfortable with my return team,” Bickham said. “So I caught [the ball], looked for the hole, and took off.”

Next week the Allen Eagles will host the Plano Senior Wildcats at Eagle Stadium as the Eagles try to improve their division record to 3-0. Stay up with all the action here at The Eagle Angle.