CENTRAL'S ALLEN AN ALL-STATER

Summary:

Tigers' receiver, Perryville's Jenkins make first team.

Chris Allen probably had one of the finest seasons for a receiver in the history of area high school football.

But Cape Girardeau Central coach Jerry Dement was concerned that Allen's work might go unnoticed by the rest of the state.

"Sometimes in Class 5A players from our area get a little bit overlooked because it's such a competitive class, with so many great athletes," said Dement.

Well, Dement can stop worrying -- because Allen has been recognized. The Central senior was today named a first-team Class 5A all-state performer.

Also today, Perryville running back Matt Jenkins was named a first-team Class 4A all-stater while his teammate, offensive lineman Wes Amberger, was named to the second team.

Allen was not one of the area's biggest players at 5-feet-7 and 155 pounds. But he certainly stood tall on the field, catching an amazing 69 passes for 866 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"Chris was one of those kids, when he caught the ball, he made something happen," said Dement. "He's not real big but he's strong and quick. He's got good hands and good concentration. And he was also a very dangerous return man."

Perryville's Jenkins was the offensive leader of a potent Pirates' wishbone attack that helped propel them into the playoffs. Perryville lost a first-round game to finish with a 9-2 record.

Jenkins (5-7, 160, senior) rushed for 1,520 yards on 174 carries (8.7 average) and scored 19 touchdowns.

"Matt was a very consistent player and he had a really good year," said Perryville coach Jerry Tucker.

Amberger (6-0, 235, senior) was the Pirates' top offensive lineman and also one of their leaders along the defensive line.

"Wes was our captain and he was a leader both on and off the field," Tucker said.

* Sikeston senior defensive back Brandon Barnes earned second-team honors in 4A. He has given the University of Missouri an oral commitment.

* Two North County players earned first-team 4A honors: junior quarterback Jeremy McDowell and senior wide receiver Jerry Reed.