Snapped Dragons / S. Johnson
The Carroll Dragon football team is undefeated, unshaken and nationally recognized.
According to the latest Massey Ratings, the Dragons sit at No. 4 in the nation and hold the top spot in Texas. For a program built on tradition and talent, that’s validation not only of this year’s dominant start but also of Carroll’s place among the best in the country.
Here are seven takeaways on Carroll and the Massey Ratings:
1. What Are the Massey Ratings?
The Massey Ratings are a statistical model originally used in the college football BCS era. The system evaluates teams using game results, strength of schedule, margin of victory and more. For high school football, that means a program like Carroll isn’t just rewarded for winning — they’re rewarded for how they win and who they beat. The result is an objective, numbers-driven ranking that carries weight nationwide.
2. Carroll is a Top-Five Team in the Nation
At No. 4 in the latest national poll, Carroll trails only Bixby (Oklahoma), IMG Academy (Florida) and Grayson (Georgia) — three perennial powers that build national schedules. They're ranked above football powers like Allen, Mater Dei (California), Bishop Gorman (Nevada) and Buford (Georgia).
3. The Dragons Have Been Dominant in 2025
Carroll’s 5-0 start has been all business: 49-0 over Midland, 35-7 over Hebron, 52-3 over Byron Nelson, 44-6 over state-ranked Trinity and 55-13 over Timber Creek. That’s a combined margin of 235-29. Simply put, the Dragons aren’t just winning games — they’re ending them early.
4. Defense Wins Championships
While the offense draws headlines, Carroll’s defense has been lights out. Shutting down district rival Byron Nelson and holding always-tough Trinity to just six points says everything about this unit’s discipline. Led by a fast front seven and a ball-hawking secondary, the defense has given up fewer than six points per game on average.
5. Renda and Boyd Are the State’s Most Dangerous Duo
Quarterback Angelo Renda has thrown for more than 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns in five games. His top target, Brock Boyd, recently became the school’s all-time leading receiver and is bound for Ohio State. Their chemistry makes Carroll nearly impossible to defend.
6. Other Texas Powers Are in the Mix Too
Carroll leads the way, but Texas' football depth is on display. Programs like Allen, Aledo, Lake Travis and North Crowley all crack Massey’s national top 25. Vandegrift, the team that beat Carroll in last year's state championship game, is No. 165 in Massey's rankings. It’s a reminder that Carroll’s path to another state title runs through a gauntlet of powerhouses.
7. Carroll’s Ceiling May Be Even Higher
With their blend of offensive explosiveness and defensive strength, the Dragons could climb even higher in the Massey Ratings. If the wins keep stacking up — especially in the playoffs, which are also considered in overall ranking — Carroll may have a shot to finish the year among the top three programs in America.