Dragons Shut Out McKinney 42-0

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As the bi-district round of the 2017 playoffs kicked off atbrDragon Stadium on Friday all eyes were upon the return of TJ McDaniel. He wouldbrsquare off against McKinney's star Matt Gadek in a battle featuring two of thebrarea's top running backs. 

 

Many thought McDaniel, who missed the final two games of thebrregular season, would need to shake off a little rust before hitting hisbrgroove. The only things he shook off were Lion defenders as the Dragon PridePlayer of the Week busted out for 316-yards and five touchdowns in a lopsidedbr42-0 victory.

 

Will Bowers had another one of his efficient nights throwingbr14-16 for 151-yards and a touchdown to his favorite scoring receiver RJbrMickens. Mickens, the two-way star, has made a name for himself as a scoringbrthreat any time he's targeted. The Bowers-to-Mickens connection has occurred justbreight times on the season, but six of them have been for touchdowns. 

 

The scoring punch was expected from the Dragons who havebraveraged nearly 37 points per game this season. However, the biggest news camebras the Dragons relatively young defense showed its maturity in pitching itsbrfirst shutout of the year.

 

Nov. 17- The Dragon defense (#39 Matty Werner) swarms RB Matt Gadek during a 42-0 victory over McKinney at Dragon Stadium. Photo by S.Johnson/SnappedDragons.com

Led by defensive captains Matty Werner and Ryan Thompson, whobrcombined for 25 tackles, the Dragons held Gadek, a 2,000+ yard rusher, to justbr61-yards on 21 carries. On the night, the Dragons held the Lions in checkbrgiving up just 146-yards of total offense.

 

All signs are showing Hal Wasson's club to be peaking at thebrright time. They now advance to play the DeSoto Eagles (10-1) in the Areabrround. The game, which pits the Dragons against the team who knocked them outbrof the playoffs last year, will be played on November 25 at the Star in Frisco. 

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