Kyler Murray and Allen clinched yet another Texas title Saturday. Murray never lost a high school game.
Photo by Kyle Dantzler
Allen's checklist for Saturday night's Class 6A Division I state championship game went according to plan:
* Win a third state title -- check.
* Extend victory streak to 43 games -- check.
* Make a case to become the nation's No. 1 team -- check.
With quarterback
Kyler Murray throwing for 316 yards and five touchdowns in the final game of his magnificent high school career,
Allen (Texas) defeated
Cypress Ranch (Houston), 47-16, before 52,308 fans at AT&T Stadium.
Jakob Yandell, Allen
Photo by Kyle Dantzler
Murray, a Texas A&M pledge, received a huge ovation from the Allen fans when he was taken out with four minutes remaining. He finished with a perfect 42 wins in 42 starts, with 18 of those in win-or-go-home playoff games.
"I couldn't have asked for a better season,'' Murray said. "I was fortunate to play with three great teams, but this year was special because of the adversity we faced with key injuries. We had to play a lot of young dudes, so leadership came into play.''
With three consecutive state titles in the largest classification, the No. 2 team in MaxPreps Xcellent 25, accomplished what only a handful of Texas teams has done. That list includes Carroll (Southlake), Lee (Midland), Abilene, Amarillo and Waco.
Allen (16-0) coach Tom Westerberg's case for being No. 1 in the nation is the quality of his team's 16 wins.
"I would say we proved it when we beat DeSoto, Arlington Martin, Euless Trinity and Dallas Skyline, then winning like we did tonight. There's no better football than right here,'' said Westerberg. "We had to win 16, not 14 like some of the others.''
Murray characterized his first half as disappointing, despite orchestrating a 66-yard touchdown drive in the final half minute for a 21-10 lead at the break.
"People came out to see us and we were determined in the second half to put on a show,'' said Murray, named the game's offensive MVP.
Allen's Jalen Guyton makes a grab in the end zoneSaturday.
Photo by Kyle Dantzler
was Murray's favorite target with nine catches for 129 yards and three touchdowns. Murray was Allen's leading rusher with 73 yards on nine carries.
"Kyler's a winner,'' said Westerberg. "I'd like to think we might see another one like him someday… but I doubt it.''
Cypress Ranch (13-3), playing in its first state final, was able to dominate time of possession thanks to senior running back
Charlie Booker III (24 carries, 115 yards, two touchdowns) and quarterback
Collin Rock (13 carries, 81 yards).
Three lost fumbles damaged the Mustangs' cause -- particularly one just outside the Allen goal line when the Mustangs could have tied the game in the final four minutes of the first half. Jaylen Ellis' hit forced the fumble and Tyler Fleming recovered.
Sione Tupou and
Dillon Stone also recovered fumbles for the Eagles.
Allen junior linebacker
Dallas George was named the defensive MVP on the strength of a blocked extra point that he returned for a 2-point conversion.
Defensive back
Niko Johnson led Cypress Ranch with 6.5 tackles.
