Cornelius Allen is a deceptive running back for the BrookhavenPanthers.

Cornelius Allen is a deceptive running back for the BrookhavenPanthers. Despite his short stature, he’s exceptionally quick, fastand strong, running with the explosive power of a largerathlete.

Against Franklin County last Friday night, Allen rushed 24 timesfor 191 yards and one touchdown, helping lead the Panthers to a35-13 victory on King Field. For his efforts, Allen has beenselected The Daily Leader’s Offensive Player of the Weekfor the third week of the 2000 campaign.

Allen (5-8, 180), a junior, is recognized for his leg strength.He squats with 340 pounds and benches 280.

“Lifting weights helps me get stronger,” said Allen. “I love thebench press.”

When he isn’t working at tailback or wingback, Allen plays freesafety on defense. “I have to make sure nothing gets past me.”

Brookhaven head coach Greg Wall said Allen was one of a fewrunning backs who were returning experience for the 2000 campaign.It’s a major rebuilding year for the Panthers who are off to a 1-1start.

“He was our most experienced runner coming back,” said Wall. “Wemoved him up as a freshman two years ago. He showed a lot ofability.”

Allen is blessed with natural ability and runs a 4.4 in the40-yard dash. “He’s awfully strong and fast although he’s not thatbig,” said Wall. “He made a super run on that first touchdown. Hebroke some tackles. He has a lot of determination.”

Nicknamed “Worm” by Wall, Allen has proved difficult to tackle.”He wiggles like a worm,” said Wall.

Working as an “I” back, Allen said the most successful playswere Lead Left and Lead Right. “It was an open field for me. TheCounter plays were working well. The coaches said they (Bulldogs)were leaving the inside open.”

Allen said his offensive line provided many key blocks for him.”I got some real good blocking from my line.”

Working in the trench are center Scott Franklin, guards MauriceSuggs and Kern Hoff, tackles Randy Jackson and Rayshon Autman andtight end Billy Williams.

Coach Ryan Ross is serving as Brookhaven’s offensive coordinatorthis year. Fred Perkins and Corey Wilson are sharing time atquarterback. Josh Anderson works at fullback.

“We are working hard to get better and we play as a team,” saidAllen. “We want to win state.”

Also a member of the BHS track team, Allen puts his speed togood use. He runs on the 400 and 800-meter relay teams.

In the classroom, Allen’s favorite subject is math.

In his spare time, Allen enjoys watching Florida State, thedefending national champion, on television. He pulls for the DallasCowboys on Sundays.