Published: November 07, 2008 10:20 am      

Collins 7th graders top Everman, finish season unbeaten

Unblemished are how the Collins 7th grade blue football team finished their season on Monday night with a 40-19 win over Everman for the District championship. Led by coach Joe Allen, the middle school Tigers finished the regular season with a 36-0 romp over rival Ennis to earn the right to play Everman for the title.

Allen is no stranger to winning football games, taking Wheeler to a state championship in 1979 and Electra to a state championship in 1985. Allen is also North Garland's all time winningest football coach and in 1999 was elected to the Garland Sports Hall of Fame.

"This is just a good bunch of talented kids," Allen said. "We also have a great group of assistant coaches. Coach Fish (Dustin) has a lot of experience, and Coach Brasher and McKinney do a fine job."

The young Tigers won some of their games without their starting tailback, Devonte Bell who was sidelined with a broken hand the third game of the season. Much to their opponents chagrin, Donovan Fields, Jacob Grayson, Ardas Walker and others stepped in to shoulder the load. Fields and crew were able to pick up the slack thanks to an offensive line led by Donovan Hailey.

"Donovan is a leader,"� Allen said. "The entire offensive line really did a great job."

Led on defense by Chris Jones, Noe Cano, Daniel Ruiz, Brody Usery, Adrian Miranda and Hailey, the Tiger 7th grade opponents found it difficult to score. The defense never gave up more than 20 points in a game.

The quarterback is Tanner Burch, son of Tigers varsity assistant coach Kyle Burch.

"Tanner rarely makes a mistake,"� said Allen who played collegiate football at Navarro and North Texas State (now the University of North Texas). "He is really consistent."

The 7th grade Tigers beat Duncanville, Cedar Hill and Desoto — Duncanville and Cedar Hil's varsity teams have won state titles in the last decade.

A feat also rare at the 7th grade level is the ability to kick extra points. Throughout the season Reggie Brown, Hector Calvillo and others handled the kicking duties and in the district championship game against Everman, the Tigers were successful on a couple of extra points.

I believe a big reason for the tremendous success of the Tigers of many yesteryears was accentuated by legendary coaches Jesse Cummings at the 7th grade level and Kenneth Moore at the 8th grade level. It looks like Corsicana athletic director Joe Young has a similar scenario in modern times with Allen and 8th grade coach Bobby August.

"Those kids and Coach Allen are a perfect match," said August who also serves as the manager of Tiger Stadium. "Talent combined with great discipline and attitude is the formula for a championship season."

August is set to take over the bunch next season and Allen believes the group will be in good hands.

"I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed working with Coach August,"� Allen said. "He just has a great attitude and is good for the kids."

The young bunch of footballers started, played and ended their season in a very successful manner. Put this group on your Tiger football radar. When the 2012 and 2013 season arrives at the varsity level, this bunch has the potential to be special.

"The kids did a great job all year long," Allen said. "They are an exceptional group."



2008 7th Grade Collins Middle School Tigers

Blue Team

2 Ryan Condley WR/CB/K

7 Jacob Grayson QB/S

13 Tanner Burch QB/CB

21 Reginald Brown WR/CB/K

25 Ardas Walker FB/LB

30 Donovan Fields RB/LB

31 Devonte Bell RB/S

34 Caleb Bryant FB/LB

42 Brody Usery FB/LB

46 Kretavis Randle TE/DL

50 Noah Gilfillan OL/DL

53 Donovan Hailey OL/DL

54 Dalton Stutts OL/DL

66 Hunter Richardson OL/DL

67 Noe Cano OL/DL

70 Colton Tanner OL/DL

76 Chris Jones OL/DL

77 Nick Horn OL/DL

78 Daniel Ruiz OL/DL

79 Daniel Lopez OL/DL

80 Michael Lewis WR/CB

81 Adrian Miranda TE/DL

82 Zachary Menard WR/CB

85 Hector Calvillo WR/CB

86 Timothy Brown WR/S



Coaches:

Joe Allen, Kiel Brasher, Dustin Fish, Deveon McKinney