Allen expected to take over as Saints' QB

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 11, 2013 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

DUDLEY -- Southern Wayne may lack depth due to having a limited number of players in uniform.

But it's a good thing the Saints have a stable of running backs, including Tyaire Allen, who will more than likely step into the quarterback role for the remainder of the season.

His stint under center begins tonight against Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A Conference foe D.H. Conley. The teams are meeting for the first time since 1974.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at the Doyle Whitfield Athletic Complex.

Allen replaces starting signal caller Jacob Hollingsworth, who sustained an injury on the Saints' final offensive series against Charles B. Aycock two weeks ago. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior might have either a torn bicep or a torn ligament in his throwing arm.

Hollingsworth is waiting on MRI results.

"Jacob is managing the pain," Southern Wayne head coach David Lee said. "Tyaire has been getting snaps, not as many as Jacob, and can run every play that Jacob can run. He's not quite as talented throwing the ball as Jacob is, but he can bring a run threat to the quarterback position.

"We're going to be a little more athletic, but not able to throw the ball as well."

Allen has accounted for 415 yards of total offense and eight touchdowns this season. Finding his replacement in the backfield shouldn't be a difficult task for Lee.

Marquis Baldwin leads the Saints' ground attack with 407 yards and four TDs on 65 totes. Xzavier Pearsall has 100-plus yards and AJ Williams has rambled for 236 yards and three scores.

There is also Jartarvis Bradshaw, Dallas Graham and Brion Kornegay available to tote the mail.

"They've all gotten snaps and know the plays," Lee said.

Once again, the Saints' ability to control the tempo and chew time off of the clock will be critical against the Vikings. The front line of Chris Brinson, Martel Lofton, Josh Jernigan, Mitchell Morrissey and Marcus Elliott -- along with tight end Aaron Ashford -- must sustain blocks and create running room for the backs.

If not, the defensive front three -- nose guard Deonta Hayes, left defensive tackle Morrissey and Lee hasn't named a right defensive tackle -- could be in for a long night.

D.H. Conley has three backs who could each surpass the 1,000-yard mark this season, and have caused numerous headaches for opposing defensive coordinators.

They've got some speed, too.

"They can attack you from every side of their offense," Lee said. "The running backs can make things happen on both sides of their formations. You have to get as many people to the football as you can, which is something we didn't do at times against C.B. Aycock."