by EJ Holland
Somehow, someway, the Dragons always manage to bounce backbrunder 10th year head coach Hal Wasson. Since 2007, they have only lostbrten regular season games. In the following game, however, the Dragons have wonbreach one by an average of 23 points.
After falling to Tulsa Union 21-10 in the opener, Southlake’sbrteam rebounded with a 37-14 thrashing of a talented Arlington Martin squad. Sobrhow does Wasson explain his program’s uncanny knack for resiliency?
“It's a combination of things,” Wasson said. “Union was anbrelite team, and we didn't capitalize on opportunities. Martin was a very goodbrteam, but we went in with a better mindset and played with a lot of energy. Webrgave a really good effort.”
This week, Southlake Carroll takes on another solid opponentin Rockwall Despite their 0-2 record, the Yellow Jackets have a ton ofbrplaymakers on the field and present a dangerous challenge.
“They've been a little snake bit,” Wasson said. “They have abrreally good football team. They made a deep run in the playoffs last year. Theybrplayed two really good football teams and have made some mistakes that havebrreally hurt them. It's going to be a test because they are desperate for abrwin.”
As Wasson mentioned, both of Rockwall's losses came to camebrto quality programs in Highland Park and Rowlett. In those two games, thebrYellow Jackets gave up more than 30 points.
While Rockwall has one of the best inside linebackers in thebrcountry in Alston Orji, the defense has been susceptible to the big play, whichbrmeans the Dragons might go vertical early and often, especially with their newestbrreceiving weapon Robert Barnes. In week 2 Barnes caught 6 receptions for 153 yards and was named First Financial Bank's Player of the Week.
“Robert will be playing receiver for us again,” Wasson said.br“That's a permanent move. He gave us a lift. Hopefully, he will continue tobrmake others around him even better. He has excellent playmaking ability.”
Southlake Carroll was stout against the run last week butbrwill have to prepare for a heavy air attack from Rockwall. The Yellow Jacketsbrrun the spread and have a go-to playmaker in wide receiver Sam Crawford, whobrholds an astounding 20 FBS offers.
“Crawford is a big play guy,” Wasson said. “You have to knowbrwhere he is on the field at all times. He's a deep ball threat. Theirbrquarterback (Matt Jones) has been impressive. He's an effective passer andbrrunner. We have to stay disciplined.
“Overall, we just have to be better on both sides of thebrball in the red zone. That comes with discipline.”