Madison County Red Raiders

Madison County's Aldreakis Allen has no trouble getting pumped up for the Friday night lights, but it seems he takes it to another level when the opponent is Elbert County.

But last year's performance was a mere preview of the tremendous statement Allen made Friday night in another 49-7 home romp over Elbert County.

Allen racked up 246 all-purpose yards (182 yards on six catches, 64 yards on six rushes) and five touchdowns on three receptions and two runs).

"I like playing against Elbert County - it's exciting," said Allen, who last year was named first team Class AAAA all-state and All-Northeast Georgia.

"That's where I'm from, and my father played football at Elbert County. I like be able to brag about winning."

For his efforts, Allen is the Banner-Herald's Northeast Georgia Player of the Week

"He had a good game against Elbert County last year," Red Raiders coach Randell Owens said of Allen.

"His dad's from there and he's got a lot of family up that way. You play a little harder when your family's there."

Allen plays running back and receiver, which makes him doubly dangerous for opposing defenses, Owens said.

"He's obviously very valuable to us," he said.

"If he was only playing tailback, he'd get 100 yards a night rushing, but we also like having him out there in space, where there aren't as many opportunities for gang tackling and he can go one-on-one with someone.

"And teams usually have a couple of guys on him, which reduces their ability to put maximum pressure on our quarterback.

"I don't care how you do it. If I had a choice between a guy who rushed for 120 yards every game and a guy who maybe got 75 yards rushing and 150 yards receiving, I may be from Alabama, but I'm taking the yards and the points."

For his part, Allen - who had 62 catches for 851 yards and six touchdowns in 2006 - doesn't seem to mind where he lines up.

"When I was a freshman, I wanted to be in the backfield," he said. "But I'm comfortable with being outside. It really doesn't make a difference as long as I can get my hands on the ball."

In mentioning several of his favorite plays by Allen against Elbert County, Owens detailed a faked "jailbreak screen" that quickly broke down and was headed for disaster before quarterback Spencer Baird unleashed a long, high pass deep in the red zone.

"My first reaction was, 'No! It's an interception,' and then I thought it was just going to be a long incompletion, but Al went vertical like a cat, reached back and made a circus catch," said Owens. "He took a busted play and made an incredible catch between two defenders. And that's what we love about him - he's a power runner but he can also beat guys for the jump ball."

"I thought that Spencer was sacked so I came back for the ball," added Allen. "I just went up and grabbed it."

The multi-faceted Allen also found time to log 13 plays at linebacker, recording a tackle and an assist. Allen said spending a little time on defense is a great diversion from his usual responsibilities.

"I take a lot of hits," he said. "I like to get a chance to repay people for what they do to me. I just like contact - I like playing physical."

Honorable mentions

Spencer Baird, Madison County: The Red Raiders' quarterback completed 19 of 26 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns.