Jeff Chaney
Sports Scene
ITHACA, MI – In many small towns across America, high school football is a family affair.
Grandfathers, fathers, and sons suit up in the same school colors for Friday night contests, starting and carrying on a tradition that lasts through several generations.
The town of Ithaca is no different, and the Allen household is proof of that.
Zach Allen is a senior wide receiver for the Yellowjackets this season. Thirty years ago, his father, Scott Allen, was a star running back and defensive back for Ithaca.
Both Allens were key in their respective teams’ successes.
Zach Allen caught 37 passes this year for 568 yards and ___ touchdowns in helping lead the Yellowjackets to a 14-0 record and third straight Division 6 state championship.
In fact, Zach has been a part of of 42 straight wins for the program. He was moved up for the playoffs his sophomore season and earned a starting spot late last year.
In 1982, Scott Allen set career records for rushing and interceptions for Ithaca and helped the 1982 team to an 8-0-1 record.
The problem for Scott Allen was that he never got to experience playing playoff football. That’s because 30 yards ago, only eight teams per class were invited to take part in the playoffs.
Still, Scott Allen was living the excitement through his son’s play at Ford Field November 23.
Zach caught one pass for 21 yards in the 37-27 championship win over Constantine.
“I would give anything to go back and be in his shoes to accomplish what they accomplished,” Scott Allen said. “This is once in a lifetime, let alone three times. This is a dream come true, in my eyes anyways.”
Not only was Zach Allen excited for himself, his teammates, and his coaches, but also for his father, and all the fathers of Ithaca players that never had the chance to experience being a part of a championship team.
“Obviously he didn’t make it to the playoffs, so being able to win a championship was huge for him,” Zach Allen said. “Watching his former high school team, they’ve all been excited for this. All the past players have been. A lot of my teammates’ dads played for Ithaca, it’s a big family. It’s like tradition.”
Aside from the success on the field, Scott Allen says his son has learned a lot by playing football for Ithaca.
“These kids have learned what hard work gets you,” Scott Allen said. “These kids will carry this on in life and beyond football. They are successful now and will continue to be successful with hard work. They are winners overall.”
Zach Allen has already learned that.
“We have had a lot of good teams before this but never made it to the semifinals,” Zach Allen said. “The 2009 team made it to the semifinals but just missed making the finals. We’ve worked hard in the off-season, put in a lot of dedication and time, but it was all worth it in the end.”