Texas High School Football 2007 Preview: Allen

Despite a lackluster defense, Allen's offense looks competent enough to lead them to another winning season in 2007.

Last year, most expected the Allen Eagles to have and explosive and dominant offense, with an average at best defense. However, despite that disparity, the offense was so good that the Eagles were able to dominate one of the leagues most difficult and talented districts and reach the state semifinals.

In 2007, not much looks to have changed as once again the Eagles offense looks to be virtually unstoppable and their defense looks to be a bit of a concern. However Allen has been consistently able to outscore their opponents and overcome their defensive woes going an impressive 71-20 throughout the past seven years.

New starting quarterback Stephen Payne, who has shown that he's a highly talented quarterback time in the little bits of playing time he as seen, will lead the offense this year, replacing the graduated Nathan Dick. Any pressure that Payne might feel should be lightened by the fact that the Allen Eagles are returning all four of their top receivers from last year. The receiver core, lead but Dan Buckner, a national top 100 player, is very talented and should torch defensive backs all year long. Last year, the four Eagle wide receivers combined to post an impressive 215 receptions, 3,034 yards, and 23 touchdowns.

The offense is even more potent with the return of star running back Jeremiah Williams who proved to be a threat both on the ground and through the air last year. Protecting Williams will be a solid offensive line which boasts two returning All District lineman.

Allen will not be necessarily starting over on the defensive side of the ball, returning more letterman than that of their offense, but still their defense is a work in progress and the week point of the team. Last years defense game up at least 23 points a game, which is cause for concern if you don't have a potent offense. Thankfully the Eagles have just that, and if the defense is able to hold opponents to that same type of output, the offense should be well equipped to pick up the slack.

Returning more players than most of the other top 5 teams in the league, Allen looks to be in for another successful season, even if their defense is a bit suspect. Allen seems to have that uncanny ability to fill in for their losses nicely, which is what consistently makes them one of the top programs in the league, and will continue to for a long time to come.