Idalia coach Perry Allen has experienced the highs and lows of Class A 6-man championship play — as a coach and player.
In 1998 as a junior, Allen rushed for 215 yards and five touchdowns in the Wolves’ 81-51 victory over Woodlin and was named MVP. But a 44-43 loss the following year at the hands of Liberty (Joes), when Idalia blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, still sticks in his craw.
“As a kid, you’re not always aware of what’s at stake,” Allen said.
Allen will get the opportunity Saturday to avenge last season’s 74-24 title game loss as a coach to Hi-Plains. The East Central League rematch should be as good as this year’s regular-season game, which the Wolves won 35-26.
“Coaching is a lot more emotional,” said Allen, who in last year’s title game had just eight healthy players. “You understand more of the opportunity you have and how few chances you really get to win a state championship.”
That is something Allen has tried to impress upon his team. But it’s not easy to do, considering the Wolves have played in nine of the last 11 title games and won six championships.
The Patriots (10-1) capitalized on the Wolves’ miscues in Week 6, including Sam Rueb’s fumble recovery in the end zone that powered coach Dave Sheffield’s team to a 14-8 lead in the first quarter.
But a missed assignment here and there became the difference against the disciplined Idalia offense.
“I think we are right there,” Sheffield said. “If we execute our game plan and eliminate the mistakes, we should be OK. When we made them earlier this year, they exploited it.”
