ATHLETE OF THE WEEK : Inspired by New Coach, Allen Nets 296 Yards in Saugus Win

It is not surprising that many of the players at Saugus, not the least of whom was tailback Lamark Allen, were disenchanted with football after the season they had last year.

“I don’t even want to think about last year,” said Allen, a senior.

Who could blame him? The Centurions were 0-10 and scored 14 points or less nine times. It wasn’t exactly the kind of high-powered offense in which a speedy back dubbed “Marcus” by his teammates could excel.

“Last year nobody felt like playing,” Allen said. “No one wanted to give 100%.”

Disgusted with football and losing interest in his classwork, Allen needed someone to make an impression on him--someone to leave their mark on Lamark.

Enter Dick Flaherty.

In Flaherty’s first year as coach, Saugus has accelerated to a 2-0 start. And judging by his performance Friday night against Crescenta Valley, a turbo-charged Allen (5-11, 187) is running on all cylinders.

Allen had 158 yards rushing, 138 yards receiving and four touchdowns in the 34-14 victory. His contribution amounted to more than 75% of the Centurions’ total offense.

“I’ve never had a game like that,” said Allen, who gives all of the credit to Flaherty. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had. He talks to me about everything--classes and college. And my attitude.”

Allen said that traces of his misguided attitude from last year may still linger. Friday night, it cost him a stint on the bench.

“He lost his composure once when he didn’t make it into the end zone and spiked the ball on the 11-yard line,” Flaherty said. The outburst cost Allen an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.

“It was one of those plays when you get in the open field and trip over your own feet,” Allen said. “I felt really dumb. And the Coach was highly upset. I don’t blame him. It got me thinking that the mistake I made cost us a touchdown.”

Lesson learned, Allen returned to impress Flaherty.

“His performance was outstanding,” Flaherty said. “He was physical when he had to be physical and he used finesse when he needed finesse.”

With three touchdowns by Allen, one on a 50-yard reception, Saugus built a 21-0 lead. But after Crescenta Valley countered with two touchdowns and backed Saugus to its own 13-yard-line in the fourth quarter, Allen made his biggest play of the game.

On second-and-17, he caught a pass in the flat. One fake and 87 yards later, Saugus was back in control, 28-14.

“That was unexpected,” Allen said. “There was a defensive end right there as soon as I caught the ball and not much open field.”

Said Flaherty: “Lamark gave him a hip and he was gone.”

As impressive as Allen was, Flaherty is hoping that it wasn’t too much too soon.

“I just hope his big games are still down the road,” Flaherty said. “The toughest part of our schedule lies ahead.”