Allen soccer seeks return to a state title sport after an undefeated 2024 common season – Dallas Information

high school sports|Football

By Ronald Harrod Jr.

Highschool sports activities reporter

Highschool sports activities reporter
From 2009 to 2017, Allen gained 5 state titles, solidifying its declare as top-of-the-line highschool soccer powerhouses in Texas. However since then, this system hasn’t had the identical stage of success.
Whereas the Eagles have made the playoffs in most seasons since their final state championship in 2017, they’ve didn’t return to the title sport.
Allen coach Lee Wiginton is seeking to change that.
Now in his fourth yr at Allen, Wiginton has led the group to the playoffs every season, including an undefeated regular season last year. He holds a 29-10 report with the Eagles.
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Wiginton stated the college is bringing again former gamers and coaches to assist present gamers perceive this system’s custom. Allen hosted its fourth annual alumni dinner, with about 45 former gamers and coaches reconnecting with the group.
“It ranged from latest graduates to individuals who had been 72 or perhaps older,” Wiginton stated. “We’ve obtained some outdated coaches, retired coaches, who’ve come again. We simply need our children to be round historical past.”
Wiginton believes an Allen defense that returns seven starters could possibly be key to a deep playoff run.
The Eagles led all Class 6A groups within the space by permitting simply 13.0 factors per sport, giving up solely 182 factors all season. They ranked second in complete protection (218.6 yards per sport) and fifth in speeding protection (106.9 yards per sport). Allen allowed greater than 21 factors simply as soon as final season — towards eventual state champion North Crowley.
“If we change into a dominant defensive entrance, we generally is a actually good defensive soccer group,” Wiginton stated.
However Wiginton stated quarterback play shall be essential for a playoff push. Brady Bricker, final season’s starter, graduated, leaving a three-way competitors for the job.
Nate Wenger, final yr’s main backup, noticed motion in blowout wins. However freshman Ty Snell, a switch from Lipscomb Academy in Tennessee, has already obtained 12 faculty affords, together with from defending nationwide champion Ohio State and Tennessee.
“Who’s going to win that battle? And as soon as it’s gained, how does that individual carry out, lead the group and create confidence … that we will win towards any opponent?” Wiginton stated.
On Twitter/X: @ronharrodjr
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Ronald Harrod covers highschool sports activities. Earlier than his arrival on the DMN, he lined highschool sports activities on the San Antonio Categorical-Information and Roanoke Instances. Ronald earned a bachelor's diploma in sports activities administration from Radford College and a grasp's diploma in journalism from Columbia College.
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