Although the Kyler Murray and Tom Westenburg era is behind Allen football, the Eagles continue to prove why they are one of the best teams in the nation. Most people thought that Allen wouldn’t even make the playoffs once Murray left, and that when Westenburg left, Allen would definitely fail without the mastermind behind Allen’s success.

When the best high school football player ever, Kyler Murray, graduated Allen, all hope was lost for me. Then I read that one of the Elite 11 quarterbacks, Seth Green, was transferring from Minnesota to Allen. However, I still did not have full belief in Allen without Murray. Murray provided a spark to Allen’s offense that had never been seen before. Whenever Allen was in trouble, Murray delivered a great game and saved Allen’s winning hopes. Not only did Kyler win three state titles, but he also provided his teammates with better opportunities to get scholarships by bringing numerous college scouts to Allen football games. The first season without Kyler, the team still continued the winning streak. Allen didn’t just have one quarterback, they had two great quarterbacks in Seth Green and Mitchell Jonke. Allen went undefeated in the regular season, but sadly lost in the semi-finals due to a poor passing attack. The Eagles still shocked everyone by making it that far in the playoffs without Kyler.

With the city of Allen still disappointed in Allen football not going to state for the fourth time, some thought that we couldn’t win another state championship without Kyler. To make matters worse, the mastermind behind Allen’s success, head coach Tom Westerberg, announced that he would be leaving Allen to go to Barbers Hill. Westerburg built Allen from the ground up, as he changed Allen’s offense to a high octane no huddle offense. Not only was Westerberg a fantastic coach, he was also a great person and kind person. He cared about the players, coaches and fans. He knew what football meant to this city and made sure the fans had something to cheer about. When Westerburg decided to leave, I was completely drained of faith and thought there was no hope in Allen for the upcoming season. I predicted that we were going to have some close games and maybe lose a district game. Man was I wrong, as Allen is now 8-0 and has yet to lose a district game.

Allen this year has proven that they are more than individuals, they’re a team who is a force to be reckoned with when working together. Allen has not lost a step this year as they continue to dominate any opponent they play. With two more games in the regular season until the playoffs, Allen comes into the playoffs as one of the top seeds. The Eagles’ offense is looking better than ever, even without Murray and Westerberg. If Allen wins the state title again this year, all the talk about how Allen is only good because of their individuals coaches and players will be out the window.