Game of the Week Preview: Allen v. Longview

The CW33GameDay kicks off this week with Allen Eagles and Longview  Lobos, and I got a chance to chat with Allen Head Coach Tom Westerberg, QB Matt Brown and QB Tucker Carter about the upcoming season today.

Last year, the Eagles finished with a 15-1 overall record and were undefeated in district play. They also claimed the 5A Division I championship. It's the first time that they are going into a season with the "Defending Champions" title nailed to their backs, which gives other team motivation to beat them, Westerberg said.

The Eagles defense is going to be the thing to watch going into the game on Friday night. They only have two returning starters, -- LB Cheyenne Urban and DB Josh Reed -- and as the saying goes, "Offense wins games, but defense wins championships."  

Westerberg said he isn't worried about the defense because backups had plenty of playing times last season.

On the offensive side of the ball, things look pretty solid with six returning starters, and two experienced and talented quarterbacks -- what a nice problem to have. After breaking his collarbone in the second round of playoffs, Matt Brown said he was feeling great, and he is looking forward to getting back on the field.

Last year, Brown threw for 1,973 yards, 27 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,313 yards. The high school standout has already committed to the University of Arizona.

With Tucker Carter play during the playoffs last season, I asked Westerberg if he had to at least consider starting Tucker for this season. However, there was no doubt for Westerberg and Tucker that Brown would be starting once he got healthy again. Westerberg said Tucker would get a series of rotations throughout the season.

Both quarterbacks are there supporting each other -- something I would to be pretty unique.

Tucker said he was there on the sidelines ready to offer advice or encouragement to Matt when he comes off the field, and they are constantly learning from one another.

And even though they both share the title of QB, they each have very different leadership styles. Matt is a leader by action, but he is quiet and reserved until, of course, he hits the field. He likes to show his leadership through his devotion to the team on and off the field.

Tucker on the other hand is a vocal leader. He gets the team pumped up and uses his voice before, during and after the game to get the team to come together. Both boys have the respect of the team, and they are looking to each other to help the team bring home their second Division I Championship title.