ALLEN, Okla. (KTEN) - The Allen Mustangs are looking to race to new heights this season. Head coach Matt McCreary is heading into his third season leading his team and he certainly has his program farther along than where he found it.

"Every single year, things have gotten better and better," said head coach Matt McCreary. "The program has grown... It's not just me it's a whole school and community buying into it and loving it."

Allen made it back to the playoffs in 2022, finishing 6-4 in the regular season.

"It was a great experience," said senior Jack Todd. "It showed us what we need to do and where we need to get and the competitiveness we need to have to get out of the first round of the playoffs."

But the road to a deep playoff run often is not an easy one.

"The competition is going to be tougher and we know what to expect coming up into this year," said senior Easton Ledo.

There is reason to think that Allen could make noise this season too. The Mustangs bring back a physical, veteran group that understands the system well.

"Got really used to 'em," said Ledo. "I'm glad I don't have to learn a whole new playbook and some of the other coaches are new but we've known 'em most of our lives."

As Allen approaches its September 1 opener against Elmore City, the Mustangs want one thing to stand out.

"Our Attitude, and our work ethic," said Todd. "I think working hard, we're going to outwork everyone we play."