Brian Allen

Class of 2025 Raiders: If I Could Do It Over Again… I would’ve been there with you to celebrate the win at North.. I’d finish what we started three years ago—Together. I’d be on the sideline every Friday Night, losing my voice as usual. Fighting for every inch with you. I’d make sure you never once questioned how much or what you meant to me… If I could do it over again… I wouldn’t have suffered in silence. I’d have asked for help before the weight got too heavy… I’d have stood tall in the biggest moments for you— Not just to lead, But to show you what belief looks like when life hits back.. so you wouldn’t have to know one day.. But then… I couldn’t demonstrate a different kind of strength. Not the kind that wins games— But the kind that gets back up when it feels like the whole world walked away. The kind that walks through hell, And still chooses grace, accountability, and faith through the fire. I wouldn’t have started this journey. I wouldn’t have had to rebuild with my foundation on Jesus— One built in surrender, not status. One that held me when nothing else could. I wouldn’t have the full, clear presence I now have with Mason and Palmer— The kind of time and awareness that only came with the realization of what’s most important as a father, not just a coach. I wouldn’t have had the chance to watch you from a distance, while in recovery.. And feel overwhelming pride watching you go 10–2 and complete the Paulding County take over, our Day 1 vision. Carrying forward a mission we built— One that still lives in every player, every rep, every ounce of that culture. And maybe… That was the play call, this whole time. Not the one I would’ve drawn up— But the one that’s rewriting my legacy—and helping others find theirs. To stand in the face of adversity, and not back down. I’ve prayed you didn’t mistake my absence for hiding, or not caring. As hard as it was—I stepped away completely to let you rise. To let EAST and the staff move forward. This program was always about you. Your mission. Your growth. And I needed to let go… For myself. To rebuild the right way. From the inside out. Because now, I get to show you and the ones still struggling… still fighting… That it’s not over. It’s never over. That there’s still purpose in the pain. That we do Recover. That you can fall hard—and still FIND A WAY to get back up. One yard at a time. One play at a time. One day at a time. Just keep Moving The Chains. 1 year today removed as your Head Coach.. Thank you East Paulding family, community, and most of all Players for the all the words; showing me the Love and Grace the other night that I needed returning to The Boneyard for Graduation. I love you all. A chapter that has redefined my life- Go RAIDERS! Coach Hirsch. #RaiderNation #MoveTheChains