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VYPE DFW Football Game of the Week: North Crowley vs. Allen (6A-D1 Region 1 Final)
Everything has gone according to plan for North Crowley this Fall.
The Panthers are firing on all cylinders in every facet of the game, which has earned them the distinction of being ranked as the No. 2 team in Texas (No. 9 in the nation), according to MaxPreps.
Following yet another undefeated regular season -- and their third-consecutive district championship -- coach Ray Gates and co. have steam-rolled their way to the Regional Final, with wins against Byron Nelson (56-21), Permian (72-14), and Coppell (35-24) over the past three weeks.
Now, North Crowley (13-0) has the opportunity to make back-to-back appearances in the state final-four.
The connection between quarterback Chris Jimerson (North Texas-signee) and senior wideout Quentin Gibson (Colorado) has been virtually impossible for opposing secondaries to contain.
If the passing game isn't enough, Cornelius Warren III (UNLV) and Daniel Bray (Utah) are always a threat to score from out of the back-field, behind a formidable offensive line -- anchored by Henry Fenuku (Missouri) --that's allowed the unit to average a ridiculous 57 points per game.
Defensively, the Panthers have limited their opponents to just 17 points a contest, which is a testament to the equally capable athletes they have on that side of the ball -- Jonathan Cunningham (Texas), Ja'Brelle Asberry (Sr. MLB), Gaylon McNeal (Washington State), and sophomore Avery Dotson being chief among them.
NCHS was eliminated in the State Semis of last year's postseason, at the hands of eventual 6A-D1 champion Duncanville. Suffice it to say, they'd love to get the chance to return the favor a week from now.
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However, No. 7-ranked Allen won't just stand idly by and give up a spot in the final-four.
With coach Lee Wigington at the helm, the Eagles (13-0) haven't dropped a game this Fall, either -- most recently outlasting Trinity in a 22-21 nail-biter last Friday -- which advanced them to their first appearance in Round No. 4 since 2021.
The offense's aerial attack has been incredibly sufficient with 2023 Offensive Newcomer of the Year Brady Bricker behind-center, along with the various targets he has in the WR room -- Donnell Gee Jr. (Tulsa-signee), Carter Harris (Sr.), and freshman break-out player Josyah Johnson.
Furthermore, Allen possesses not one, not two, but three explosive running backs -- Jaden Hambric (Jr.), Micah Ellis (Sr.), and Lyndon Spriggs (So.) -- who can keep defenses honest.
But, it can be argued that the most valuable asset towards the Eagles' success in 2024 has been their lock-down defense, which is averaging a mere 11.3 points allowed per game.
Its leading figures include second-team, all-district selections Kai Wheaton (Sr. CB), Mitchell Neu (Sr. LB), and Camden Clark (Sr. S).
This is the best that Allen has looked in years. Can they punch their ticket to the State Final-Four, marking the first time since 2018 they've done so?
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The battle of the undefeated will take place this Saturday (2:00 PM) at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield, TX. The victor might just become a favorite to reach AT&T.
Allen QB, Brady Bricker, voted VYPE DFW QB of the Year
A two-sport athlete, Brady Bricker has dedicated his time to perfecting his skill regardless of where he's competing: the track or the field. Bricker's hard work and dedication has continued to be noticed by fans and he has been voted the 2023-24 VYPE DFW Public School QB Player of the Year in a recent fan poll. VYPE DFW caught up with Bricker regarding his time at Allen so far and his future in an exclusive interview.
Being voted as a fan favorite for quarterback of the year is a great accomplishment. What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment playing football so far?
"Becoming the starting quarterback at Allen and making it to the fourth round of playoffs."
So far, what has been your favorite memory of playing with Allen?
"Beating Arlington Martin in the second round of playoffs; our students rushed the field after the win. After, we celebrated in the locker room with my teammates and coaches."
As you put in the hard work through the offseason, what goals are you creating for next season?
"I want to better myself: focus on my skills and become a better leader so I can take our team to a district win and a state championship."
What would you say has been the secret to your success?
"Training, training, and more training. Truly listening to all my coaches and using what they have taught me to make me a better leader and player. Also, finding inspiration through my teammates and trusting in them."
As an uncommitted athlete, what are you looking for in a college program?
"I want to find a team and coaches that believe in me. One that I can trust and a program that will help me develop into a better quarterback, teammate, and leader."
Do you have a pregame routing that you use to get in the zone on game days?
"I listen to hype music and watch clips of previous games to get me pumped. I have specific clothes I wear at each game, too."
Who do you look up to and why?
"I really look up to my former teammate Macguire Martin. He taught me how to be a better leader and teammate; he was a true mentor to me."
What is one thing you're most looking forward to next season?
"Leading a new group of guys, winning a lot of games, having fun, and being a senior."
Earning honors such as 5-6A District Newcomer of the Year, 5-6A First Team All-District, Academic All-District, 2024 MVP Redzone Stock Up Camp, and 2024 MVP YouAreAthlete Camp, Bricker can be expected to continue putting in the hard work that is necessary to carry on such a strong quarterback legacy at Allen.