Leon Allen and Jon Dowling make sparkling debut for WKU

Willie Taggart likes what he sees

Playing in his first collegiate game, former Manatee High standout  Leon Allen ran for a team high 93 yards on 13 carries to spark Western Kentucky to a 49-10 victory over Austin Peay on Saturday.

Allen was one of a multitude of Manatee County players who stood out for the Hilltoppers and their head coach Willie Taggart, another former Manatee High star.

Southeast product Jon Dowling lived up to his hype which had Taggart calling him an All-American talent with an interception. The safety was second on the team with seven tackles (4 unassisted) and had one kickoff return for 20 yards.

Another Southeast grad,  Boe Brand, caught three passes for 55 yards, including a 13 yard touchdown reception. Braden River grad Willie McNeal caught a 21 yard scoring strike and had two catches for 23 yards.