Allen, Taylor named Athletes of the Week

As the summer turns into fall, athletics has been in full swing in the Graham community for quite some time now. 

This week brought another slate of standout performances and The Graham Leader is recognizing Hadleigh Allen of the Lady Blues and Colt Taylor of the Steers as this week’s Athletes of the Week. 

Hadleigh Allen, Lady Blues volleyball

Despite the Lady Blues coming up just short against the Stephenville Honeybees in their match Tuesday, Sept. 30, the team still had standout performers in the evening. 

Players filled up the stat sheets offensively and defensively, but a critically underrated part of the game is the ability to facilitate. Without having adequate passers and setters, teams wouldn’t have the ability to set up key offensive opportunities for kills and points. 

Typically, the two primary setters on the team are Kya Cooper and Allen. Cooper had a solid stat line on the night but Allen led the leaderboard in terms of assists. 

She racked up 12 on the night while also tallying six digs defensively and an ace at the service line. 

Adding to her effectiveness on the court is the fact that she will be one of the pillars of the team going into the future. 

The Lady Blues as currently constructed are very veteran heavy with seven seniors and one junior. 

Allen is only a sophomore and will be able to help lead the way for the next generation of Lady Blues players.
 

Colt Taylor, Steers football

The Steers went into their bye week on the right foot after getting back into the win column against the Lake Worth Bullfrogs. 

Graham won 35-10 to get above .500 with a 3-2 record. The running game was dominant in this showcase and no one made more of an impact in that department than running back Colt Taylor. 

Taylor opened the night on the Steers opening drive, punching a touchdown into the endzone in a short yardage situation to help the Steers take the early lead. 

In the third quarter, Taylor took a 3rd and 4 handoff down the right sideline for his second touchdown of the day. Taylor ended the night with a hat trick racing down the left sideline this time for a touchdown over 50 yards. 

Taylor’s official stats on the night were six carries for 187 yards rushing and three touchdowns. 

Steers head coach Clay McChristian praised Taylor for not only his elite play on the field but leadership on the team. 

“Colt is definitely a strong, quiet leader,” McChristian said. “He gives 100% everyday at everything he does. He doesn't talk very much but he leads the team on both sides of the ball by how he carries himself and how he plays. The team loves him and us as coaches couldn't ask for more out of him. He will just continue to get better everyday. In my opinion he is one of the best all around football players in the area.”

The Steers will need more impact play from players like Taylor in order to compete at a high level in district play.