We continue our 20 for 20, now in Week Two.
Last week, we unveiled the countdown with Nos. 20-16, kicking off our celebration of the greatest players from the 20-year history of Dragon Pride magazine. Now, we're moving closer to the top of the list with five more players whose talent, leadership, and impact helped define Carroll football's championship era.
From dominant defenders and two-way stars to elite playmakers and offensive linemen, these five Dragons left their mark on the program in different ways. Some were the anchors of championship teams. Others were game-changing weapons on both sides of the ball. All five earned their place among the 20 players who best represent the Dragon Pride era.
Here are Nos. 15-11:
The anchor of one of the most dominant offensive lines in Carroll football history, Sam Schwartzstein was a standout lineman who helped pave the way for the Dragons' high-powered offense during the dynasty era. Known for his intelligence, leadership and larger-than-life personality, Schwartzstein was a key piece of Carroll's 2006 and 2007 teams, earning first-team all-district and second-team all-state honors as a senior. He continued his career at Stanford, where he was a two-year starter and team captain at center, helping protect future No. 1 NFL Draft pick Andrew Luck.
Cade Foster was the ultimate two-way weapon for the Dragons, excelling as both a linebacker and one of the top kickers in program history. A four-year varsity letterman, Foster became Carroll's starting middle linebacker during his final two seasons while also handling kicking duties. He connected on 38 of 48 career field-goal attempts, including a career-long 49-yarder, and was a force on special teams. Foster went on to play at Alabama, where he became the Crimson Tide's starting kicker and was part of a BCS National Championship team, further adding to the legacy of one of Carroll's most versatile stars.
A lockdown cornerback with elite playmaking ability, Sabian Holmes could change a game on defense while also making big plays as a receiver. The son of former Texas defensive back Tony Holmes, he was a crucial piece of Carroll's 2011 5A state championship team, earning District 7-5A MVP and second-team all-state honors. Holmes caught 85 passes for 1,336 yards and 14 touchdowns that season, including 11 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown in the state championship game. His rare two-way dominance made him the only member of Carroll's All-Decade Team to earn a spot on both sides of the ball.
The heart of one of the most dominant defenses in Carroll football history, Justin Padron was a relentless middle linebacker whose instincts and physicality made him a force from sideline to sideline. Padron finished his career with 248 tackles and helped anchor a defense that held nine of 16 opponents to seven points or fewer in 2006. A member of three consecutive state championship teams, he earned first-team all-state honors as a senior and was named the 2006 recipient of the Jack Pardee Award as the state's most outstanding linebacker. His leadership helped define Carroll's championship era.
A sturdy, sure-handed receiver and favorite target in Carroll's high-powered passing attack, Blake Cantu was a machine for the Dragons. His precise route running, reliable hands and knack for making big plays made him one of the most productive pass catchers in program history. Cantu finished his Dragon career with 179 receptions for 2,749 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning first-team all-state honors as a junior. A key weapon in Todd Dodge's offense, Cantu's production helped fuel Carroll's championship success and cemented his place among the greatest wide receivers ever to wear the Dragon helmet.
The countdown continues next week with Nos. 10-6 as we get closer to naming the No. 1 player of the Dragon Pride era.