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Instant Classic: Allen edges DeSoto 41-40, extends win streak to 55 games

ARLINGTON - Allen won its first 11 games of the season by an average of 38 points, dominating opponents as it stretched its win streak to 54 games. But late Friday night at AT&T Stadium, Allen's season almost came to a stunning end.

The 41-40 win over DeSoto, which wasn't secured until Allen's defense made a fourth-down stop near midfield with less than a minute remaining, is probably a preview of things to come.

Allen (12-0), which is seeking its fourth straight state title, had a run of four straight nailbiters in last year's playoffs. One of those was against Arlington Martin, whom Allen will meet Friday at 5:30 at AT&T Stadium in a Class 6A Division I Region I semifinal.

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Martin and Allen were tied in the fourth quarter of last year's playoff matchup before Allen pulled away for a 69-54 win. Now Martin (10-2) gets another chance at the team that hasn't lost since midway through the 2012 season.

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"Any time you play against a team that's won 55 in a row, they're not just any team," Martin coach Bob Wager said. "But that being said, we're both chasing the same prize. The chance to play them isn't bigger than the ultimate goal: a state championship."

Allen's drive for the ultimate goal almost got derailed just before midnight Friday.

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With the game tied in the fourth quarter, Allen quarterback Seth Green entered for the first time, replacing Mitchell Jonke. On Green's second snap, he ran 67 yards for a touchdown, and after Allen forced a punt, he threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Camden Harrison to extend the lead to 41-27.

DeSoto battled back with a 75-yard touchdown pass, on 4th-and-10, from Tristen Wallace to Laviska Shenault with 8:54 left. After an Allen punt, DeSoto pulled within one on a 35-yard touchdown reception by KD Nixon.

DeSoto kicker Verrick Dyer, who made a pair of field goals earlier in the game, was injured on a punt - and it seemed to affect him on DeSoto's final point-after try. His point-after kick hit the right upright.

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Twitter: @mattwixon