Thomas Sumter's Allen shines on both sides of the ball to win Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week

Ayden Allen did a little bit of everything when the Thomas Sumter Academy football team traveled to Carolina Academy on Friday.

Offensively, he rushed for 108 yards and two scores. On defense, Allen scooped up three fumbles and had four tackles as the Generals ran away with a 33-6 win. That performance earned Allen recognition as the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.

"It's great. I really appreciate everyone who voted for me," Allen said. "I give all the credit to the offensive line, because without them, I would've never gotten that."

Allen was glad to help turn the tide defensively but was quick to shout out his teammates for forcing the fumbles he recovered.

"I just picked up the ball or fell onto it. I wasn't forcing them, I was just the one to be there to pick up the ball. That was all the defensive line and Gatlyn (Kimbro)," Allen said. "But it was really great. Picking those up really helped change the course of the game."

Thomas Sumter head coach Brannon Tidwell is happy to see the defensive effort he's seen from Allen so far this season.

"He actually wasn't a big fan going into this season of playing defense. He's really focused on his offensive game, and something really hit with him as he got bigger and stronger," Tidwell said. "Now he likes defense just as much as offense. Whenever you can score two touchdowns and get three turnovers, you have a good chance of winning, and he helps us do that each Friday night."

Offensively, Thomas Sumter struggled to move the ball through the air against Carolina Academy, but Allen was able to find some holes in the running game to keep the ball moving alongside quarterback Jamari Harris. The Generals have been successful running the ball with Allen, Harris and Javion Lammie. Allen has loved being a part of that balanced backfield this season.

"It feels great. Just looking back and seeing Jamari running around, it's just a different feel. Especially with a quarterback who is not only a run threat but a pass threat, because he really puts the money on the ball," Allen said. "It's been a cool experience to be a part of."

Allen has seen some rough times as a part of the program at Thomas Sumter, so he's thrilled to see the Generals build some momentum with two wins to open the season.

"It's been great to see a change in the program," Allen said. "Going from a team that didn't really win a lot of ballgames, winning two back-to-back games is something I'm really proud to be a part of. I know all the dudes who put in a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve this. I couldn't be more proud of the team and the coaches."