Playoff Preview: Skyline vs. Allen

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Skyline vs. Allen

3 pm, Saturday at Mesquite Memorial Stadium

Two of the state’s prominent programs play for the Class 5A Division I, Region II title.

Allen (12-1), No. 16 in the VYPE National Top 25 High School Football Rankings, hopes to extend its longest playoff run since winning the 5A DI state title in 2008. The Eagles opened the season by dominating defending state champion Southlake Carroll, 24-0, and cruised through a tough schedule marred only by a 27-24 overtime loss to then-undefeated Coppell.

Allen’s offense has added a dimension with sophomore Kyler Murray becoming the Eagles’ fulltime starter midway through the season. The son of former Texas A&M quarterback Kevin Murray, has passed for more than 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,005 yards and another 19 TDs. Senior Oliver Pierce has been a versatile weapon, producing more than 1,000 total yards and 11 TDs. Running back Marcus Ward leads the Eagles in rushing with 1,067 yards and 14 TDs.

Skyline (12-1) started the season ranked in the top 10 of VYPE’s National Top 25 High School Football Rankings, before losing to Arlington Bowie in Week 1. The Raiders’ defense has inconsistent at times, allowing four or more touchdowns in five of 13 games. The Raiders also have survived close calls against Arlington Martin (37-34) and Spring Westfield (38-33).

Skyline’s offense has been as potent as expected with the return of Greater Dallas All-VYPE MVP quarterback Devante Kincade, an Ole Miss commit, and receiver Ra’Shaad Samples, an Oklahoma State commit, connecting for 1,032 yards and 22 touchdowns. Kincade has passed for 2,636 yard and 37 TDs, while throwing six interceptions. He’s also run for 750 yards and 11 TDs. Running back Jordan Stevens (817 yards, 11 TDs) and Ellis Onic (780 yards, 8 TDs) are the Raiders’ other rushing options. Onic also has 32 catches for 527 yards and six TDs.