Lorenz Allen's career day leads Manatee past Riverview

SARASOTA -- Lorenz Allen doesn't need to be Johnnie Lang. Being Lorenz Allen is pretty nifty.

The Manatee High senior rushed for a career-high 213 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries to spark the Hurricanes to a 56-14 victory over Riverview on Friday night at the Ram Bowl in a Class 8A-District 6 contest.

With his performance, Allen silenced all those fans who said he needed to run more like Lang, the Canes' elite running back who was suspended before the season and ultimately moved to Utah.

"It was pressure at first that I was the guy who was supposed to replace Johnnie, but I talked with a lot of people and they told me to just calm down and play my game," Allen said. "They said be you and do your job and that's what they've been teaching me."

It was the third straight game Manatee went to a running clock and fourth time in the last five games Allen went over 100 yards. The only time he didn't was last week, when he only had six carries but still ran for 94 yards.

Allen played basically a half game against Riverview. He ran for 178 yards in the first half and added 35 yards on his only carry in the second half.

One of the first things Allen planned to do after the game was call Lang, who now plays for East High in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"We talk a lot and he is like a big brother to me," Allen said. "I am glad he is still playing. I talked to him early this week and he just told me to ball out and be me and make everyone proud."

Allen sparked a dominating offensive performance. The Canes rushed for 394 yards and A.J. Colagiovanni threw for 189 yards and two touchdowns despite getting picked off twice.

"I was just trying to do my stuff and I am so happy I finally rushed for 200 yards. I thank my O-line for everything they did out

there," Allen said. "I knew I had the speed to get outside and once I did that, I was able to get touchdowns. We are playing like a team now. Our Oline is doing an excellent job blocking."

Before the season Allen thought he was going to play receiver, but when it looked like Lang was not going to return he had to change his mindset.

That wasn't easy, according to Manatee head coach John Booth.

"Those are tough shoes to fill and there was pressure on Lorenz," Booth said. "He was expecting to play wide receiver and then you have to change. But he is very coachable and we are starting to see the fruits of his labor. He is trusting the blocking and run path and understanding where the ball is supposed to go. He had a fantastic night and is a terrific kid."

Manatee scored on its first three possessions of the game. Tarique Milton caught a 10-yard TD pass, Allen scored from 13 yards out and later from one yard after setting up the touchdown with a 63-yard rush.

After Colagiovanni threw a pick-six, Manatee responded with three more touchdowns. Colagiovanni added a nine-yard run, Allen scored from 45 yards out and Reggie Carter hauled in an 80-yard pass with 57 seconds left in the first half.

The Canes played their reserves for most of the second half. Manatee has averaged 48 points per game during its current four game win streak.

"One of the things we stressed this week was finishing and not getting complacent," Booth said. "We executed well, though we had a couple of turnovers that we have to clean up, but the way we came out in the second half and still played with fire was good."

Manatee improves to 4-0 in the district (5-2 overall). Steinbrenner is 4-1 in the district and every other team has at least two losses, Riverview fell to 2-2 in the district and 2-5 overall.

This story was originally published October 17, 2015 at 12:03 AM with the headline "Lorenz Allen's career day leads Manatee past Riverview."