A 28-2 record and back-to-back state semifinal appearances would be a remarkable run for most programs — but most programs aren’t Allen.

After three straight state titles with Kyler Murray behind center, the Eagles have fallen in the final four two years in a row. Now, sitting at 14-0 yet again, it’s championship or bust for an Allen squad that just dismantled Euless Trinity in the second half of last week’s Texas UIL Class 6A, Division I quarterfinal to advance to face Round Rock Cedar Ridge (13-1) at Baylor's McClane Stadium in Waco at 2 PM CT on Saturday. 

Watch Cedar Ridge vs. Allen LIVE on FloFootball!

Cedar Ridge is on its third head coach in three years, but the Raiders have looked no worse for wear. Head coach Sam Robinson has guided a young but increasingly successful program to its best season in school history.

Aside from a one-point overtime victory over Coppell in the area round, Cedar Ridge hasn’t really been tested since September. The Raiders hammered Pflugerville Hendrickson 30-2 on Saturday — a performance that was bolstered by an outstanding defensive showing, particularly in the front seven.

The Raiders allowed just 24 yards in the first half and completely shut down Hawks running back DJ Jackson.

Of course, if Cedar Ridge hopes to shock the state, players such as running back Simi Bakare — he of 1,458 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns — and wide receiver Jaylen Ellis are going to need to play big on offense, because Allen is going to score.

The Eagles scored on six of their final seven drives in Saturday’s victory over Euless Trinity, outscoring the Trojans 34-7 down the stretch after falling behind 13-7 in the second quarter.

Allen quarterback Grant Tisdale has thrown for 1,917 yards and rushed for 941 yards while having a hand in 41 total touchdowns this season — all of that despite sitting out significant portions of blowout victories during the season.

Tisdale’s top target, wide receiver Theo Wease, is one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2019 class. Senior running back Brock Sturges — an Arizona State commit — has rushed for 1,897 yards and needs 181 more for the single-season school record. 

Junior defensive end Jayden Jernigan will look to keep the heat turned up on Cedar Ridge quarterback Ezekiel Coss.

Make no mistake, Allen will come into this one as the heavy favorite — just as the Eagles do most weeks. But Cedar Ridge may have missed the memo.

Of course, you won’t have to make your way to Waco to find out. Watch the Eagles and Raiders battle for a spot in the Texas state title game live on FloFootball at 2 PM CT.