Dragon Playoff Run Halted by Cedar Hill

December 8, 2014

1:37 PM

Ryan Agnew and company faced a tough opponent in Cedar Hill. The Dragon's playoff run fell short against the Longhorns 62-42. Photo by K. Campos.

by Robert Halliman

The Dragon's versatile offense had been firing on allbrcylinders during the 6A Texas state playoffs and when matched up against anbrextremely talented Cedar Hill squad many expected a typical Texas-stylebrshootout. Fans in attendance at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium this past Saturdaybrwere not disappointed in the 62-42 final score. brUnfortunately for Dragon faithful, after fighting hard for fourbrquarters, the gas tank finally hit “E” as Carroll came up short against thebrLonghorns in the Quarterfinal Round.

Looking back on the season, resilience is what this group ofbrDragons will be remembered for most. Inexperiencedbron offense, with just one returning starter, the Dragon's faced adversity inbrseveral games. However, Hal Wasson's staff and players consistently delivered allbrseason long en route to an impressive 13 victories. Rolling the dice in several situations, the team'sbridentity took a different approach from recent seasons; focusing on its powerbrrushing attack, while turning many late game gambles into Southlakebrvictories. No one will argue, the 2014brseason was full of surprises and memories that will last a lifetime.

Trailing throughout Saturday's game, the Dragons proved toughbronce again clawing their way from a 21-point deficit to come within five of thebrLonghorns with under six minutes left. Following a Cedar Hill fake punt, abrcontroversial first down ruling helped seal the victory for the Longhorns. Thebrensuing play saw Cedar Hill's running back Aca'Cedric Ware put the game out ofbrreach for good with a 54-yard touchdown run.

Senior quarterback and Dragon Pride Player of the Week, Ryan Agnew saved his best performance forbrlast with his best statistical night of the season, he completed 15 of 26 passesbrfor 420 yards and four touchdowns. Showing great

timing and touch he connectedbron several deep passes to the receiving trio of Tariq Gordon, Zach Farrar, andbrParker Fentriss— each of whom broke the 100-yard receiving barrier for the game.brGordon led all receivers with 168 yards on six receptions including a 67-yardbrfirst quarter touchdown that gave Southlake its first lead of the game. SeniorbrEvan Fentriss followed suit in his last game reeling in three catches for 114bryards and a touchdown, while junior Zach Farrar enjoyed the best game of his varsitybrcareer finishing the contest with three receptions for 128 yards and a score.

Focusing on the run, Cedar Hill didn't allow Lil' JordanbrHumphrey to reach the 100-yard barrier. The holder of Carroll's new singlebrseason rushing record finished the game with just 37 yards on 13 carries.brDespite the reduced rushing output, Humphrey's impact on the game was felt. He opened the Dragon's scoring after a a 4-yardbrtouchdown reception, and then added a two-yard scoring plunge in the thirdbrquarter.

Even if the Dragons didn't finish this season crowned asbrstate champions, there are many reasons for the team, coaches and fans to holdbrtheir heads high. In addition to a 13-1 record, 26 players and the coaching staff were named to the 7-6A all-district team.

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