Allen survives Arlington Martin in overtime thriller, advances to regional round
Arlington Martin (8-4) gave Allen (8-4) everything it had, but fell just short of advancing to the regional round of the Texas high school football class 6A D1 playoffs.
Allen running back Micah Elli, who finished with 145 yards and three touchdowns, scored the game winner in overtime to give the Eagles a 36-33 win over the Warriors Friday at Dragon Stadium. Arlington Martin attempted a 44 yard, game winning field goal to end regulation but the kick was missed.
Allen head coach Lee Wiginton said his main takeaway was how proud he was of the team and coaching staff.
He credited everyone involved for their dedication to the program.
“Our defensive coordinator is going to have a baby any second,” Wiginton said. “Literally any second, and he’s out here just giving everything to these kids and this team.”
Wiginton said Allen wins might not always look beautiful, but added its fun to watch the team play in a battle.
“You just know who they are and how they are going to fight,” Wiginton said. “That’s Allen Eagle football.”
On Sept. 8, 2023, Arlington Martin lost 51-31 to Allen. The rematch in the playoffs was a whole lot closer.
“The first time we played them they beat the breaks off us,” Martin head coach Chad Rives said. “We’ve improved a lot since then, and I’m super proud of the way they came in and competed this evening.”
Wiginton said both Martin and Allen improved greatly since their non-district game. The two teams battled in a game fans will remember as an instant classic.
“I feel like both of us in that game were a shell of what we are tonight,” Wiginton said. “... They’re so well coached. I have so much love and respect for that staff. It was a really good game.”
A back and fourth affair
In the Warriors’ first drive of the game, they faced fourth down and got into punt formation. Wide receiver Brooks Briggance did not punt, electing to pass to Jesse Ford, who was wide open for a 20 yard gain and a first down.
Martin capitalized with a hefty 42 yard field goal from kicker Harry Davidson.
Allen struck back with a nine play, 70 yard drive that was capped with a 14 yard from Quinton House-Hammonds. Both teams then stayed off the scoreboard until the 11:56 mark of the second quarter.
That’s when Arlington Martin’s offense started to find a groove. Tight end Logan Baresh, on a streak, took matters into his own finger tips, barely catching a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tristian Bittle.
Bittle returned in the bi-district round of the playoffs for a few snaps after not playing since the opening game due to an injury. He finished with 177 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air.
“I thought he did a great job today,” Rives said. “We couldn’t run the ball at all, but he was able to throw it and find some receivers. ... He never missed. The week after he had surgery he was there every single day. That tells you a lot about the kids’ character.”
On Martin’s next drive, Baresh continued his elite play. He made a contested catch on another streak route and ran all the way to the end zone for a 32 yard touchdown to make the score 17-7 with 3:31 remaining in the first half.
“He’s dealt with injuries,” Rives said. “You can see what he’s able to do when he gets a chance. He’s powerful. We line him up at tight end. He can play inside. He can play outside. He blocks his tail off.”
In the second half, Allen’s defense came out with a sense of urgency. The unit forced a punt and it was shanked, which paved the way for an Allen 36 yard rushing touchdown on the opening play of the drive from Ellis.
Martin’s offense, once again, couldn’t respond and punted away. The ball was muffed, and the Warriors were given a red zone opportunity on a silver platter and took advantage with a 12-yard touchdown from Brooks Brigance on the first play of the drive.
Allen tied the game with a nine play touchdown drive that was finished by running back Amir McDowell. Martin was able to retake the lead with a 40 yard field goal, but Allen quickly got on the board again with a 10 yard rushing touchdown from Ellis; the PAT was no good and it gave the Warriors an opportunity with 9:40 remaining.
Arlington Martins’ special teams kept them in the ballgame. Davidson drilled a 35 yard field goal to tie the game. After both teams traded stops, the Warriors notched another crucial stop and had a chance to win the game.
Brody Williams made a miraculous catch with one second remaining, managing to get out of bounds to stop the clock. Davidson attempted a 44 yard field goal to win the game but it was no good.
Rives said the team got Davidson from the soccer program and would’ve had a “real problem” if he wasn’t on the team.
“He’s made so many kicks this year,” Rives said. “ ... I couldn’t be more proud of the kid and what he did. That kick -- it’s what people will remember. But shoot, man. He did a great job for us this year.”
In overtime, Allen’s defense quickly stopped the Martin offense. Davidson attempted another 44 yard field goal, and this time it was good.
“Allen’s defensive line -- they were good all night long,” Rives said. “Very, very difficult to block.”
Allen’s offense, however, quickly retaliated with an six play scoring drive to win the game. Allen’s students stormed the field and celebrated with Eagle football.
Allen will face the winner of Euless Trinity (7-4) and Midland Legacy (9-2). The Trojans and Rebels are set to play at Pennington Field on Saturday with a 4 p.m. CT start time.
“We have another week of practice to find out all the areas we need to improve,” Wiginton said. “But right now, we’re not worried about any of that. What we’re worried about is hugging and loving each other.”
This story was originally published November 17, 2023 at 11:16 PM.
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