One week after opening the season with a statement victory over Duncanville, the Allen Eagles returned to Eagle Stadium and delivered another, defeating DeSoto 50-6 on Friday, Sept. 4.
The matchup brought another early-season test for Allen against one of the states most accomplished programs. DeSoto entered the season as the defending Class 6A Division II state champion, but Allen took control early, building a 28-0 halftime lead before extending the advantage to 50-0 by the end of the third quarter.
For Head Coach Lee Wiginton, the way the Eagles established themselves early helped shape the rest of the night.
"We started well, started, early, and started fast," said Wiginton. "I'm proud of the way the defense went up there against a really good offense, who I think has one of the best backs in the country. They battled and found a way to get a stop and then had an explosive play to start offensively. It kind of set the tone for the whole night."
Allen's offense capitalized on those opportunities throughout the game. Sophomore quarter back Ty Snell completed six of seven passes for 170 yards and four touchdowns. Fellow sophomore Zach Williams caught four passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns, while K. Jackson added 56 rushing yards and a touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, Allen's defense kept DeSoto out of the end zone through the first three quarters and intercepted two passes. The Eagles also received contributions on special teams, something Wiginton pointed to as part of a well-rounded performance.
"We made some big plays in special teams," said Wiginton. "Defense continued to do a good job stopping the runs, making it tough on DeSoto in the passing game. Offense battled out and kept drives alive."
After describing the season-opening win over Duncanville as an important first step, Wiginton saw Friday's performance as another sign of the work his players have put in.
"It was just one of those really complete victories," Wiginton said. "A lot of guys got out there on the field. So really, proud of them for all the work they put in, and proud that they got to go out there and play tonight."
The victory moves Allen 2-0 in the season. The Eagles will hit the road for the first time this season on Friday, Sept. 11, when they face the Southlake Carroll Dragons.