Daren Miller takes over as the new head football coach at Abilene Christian Schools this fall. The Panthers return seven lettermen, including three starters on both offense and defense, from a team that went 7-2 overall and 5-1 in its Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools’ six-man district last year. ACS reached the regional round of the TAPPS six-man Division III playoffs.
Leading the way offensively for Abilene Christian will be speedy tailback Charlie Lee-Alliston, who finished second in the TAPPS 2A 100-meter dash last spring.
“He looks to build off of a fantastic junior season,” Miller said of Lee-Alliston.
The Panthers will be younger this season, Miller admitted, but he said his team has strong senior leadership and underclassmen with experience from last year. The biggest question marks are losses at key spots, including the quarterback position, that will have to be filled, according to Miller.
Owen Fisher, a 6-3 TE/G, and WB/CB Ty Armstrong will be counted on to contribute on both sides of the ball. C/DE Isaac Presley enjoyed an outstanding freshman season a year ago.
“Much will be expected from last year’s district newcomer of the year,” Miller stated in reference to Presley.
Another player who made an impact as a freshman last year is WB/S Davis Patteson.
“He will be even better as a sophomore,” Miller added.
SE Keatan Allen provides the Panthers another tall, talented receiver.
Abilene Christian has won four TAPPS six-man state championships, the latest coming 10 years ago in 2011.
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