ROGERS — Typically, Fayetteville backup quarterback Austin Allen waits on the sidelines, hoping for the Bulldogs to build a large enough lead for him to get a few snaps in the second half.
A week ago, the sophomore saw no playing time.
But Brandon Allen made sure Friday to get off to a fast start, take care of business early on and then step aside to let his younger brother see significant action in a 42-14 rout of Rogers High in Mountie Stadium.
“It was fun,” Austin Allen said, smiling. “I finally got to run some plays instead of just running the ball.”
Brandon Allen faced little resistance against an undersized and inexperienced Rogers defense, completing all six of his pass attempts in the first half - including three for touchdowns. His brother was nearly perfect as well.
Brandon Allen was pulled with Fayetteville leading 28-0 with 6 minutes, 11 seconds remaining in the first half, putting an end to his night since he wasn’t needed to do his usual punting duties after halftime.
He finished 6-for-6 for 78 yards and three touchdowns, and in doing so, he improved his touchdown-to-interception ratio to 23-0 on the season.
“He’s quality. He’s as good as they get around here, just a phenomenal quarterback,” Rogers coach Shawn Flannigansaid. “(He’s) just so poised and relaxed behind there. He just looks very much at home and does a great job.”
The senior led the Bulldogs (6-2, 3-2 7A-West Conference) to touchdowns on their first three offensive series, and Austin Allen picked up where his star older brother left off.
In his most extensive playing time of the season, the sophomore completed his first four passes and finished 9-for-11 for 58 yards and one touchdown. He also scored his first career touchdown on a 2-yard run to extend Fayetteville’s lead to 35-0 before halftime.
“I’m very proud of the offense. I wanted to get Austin in there some with the first(- team) offense,” Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton said. “I thought he did a nice job driving them, but Brandon is so good. He really is.”
Of course, it didn’t hurt that Rogers (0-8, 0-5) self-destructed in the first half by fumbling three times, each one coming as the Mounties had crossed midfield.
Heading into Friday, Fayetteville’s coaches and players had hoped to take care of business against Rogers and gradually move past last week’s heartbreaking 48-45 loss to Fort Smith Southside.
It took two Allen brothers to do it, but the Bulldogs accomplished their goal.
“At first, we ran some screens and I got to throw the ball a little bit,” Austin Allen said. “And after that, I don’t know, I just got it into a rhythm, I guess.”
Sports, Pages 22 on 10/23/2010