The Carroll Dragons came within inches of hoisting the UIL 6A state championship trophy in 2024.
The Dragons ultimately fell just short in the state final against powerhouse Austin Vandegrift. Still, it wasn’t for lack of effort by the defense.
Facing one of Texas' most explosive offenses, Carroll’s defense held the Vipers to just 21 points — well below their season average. It was a performance that made a statement: Carroll’s defense is elite, and it’s not going anywhere.
Now, heading into the 2025 season, the Dragons return a core group of seasoned seniors—many of whom earned all-district or all-state honors in 2024 — and bring back one of the most complete, battle-tested defensive units in the state.
The Dragons return virtually every key defensive contributor from last season’s state runner-up team. That means reps, chemistry and experience — three things that only come with time. They’ve played in big games, battled through adversity, and now, as veterans, they bring a level of composure that will be hard to shake.
Head coach Riley Dodge lauded last year’s defense, making a pointed effort to praise the group during its run to the state championship final. There were multiple highlights throughout the postseason: multiple sacks in each playoff game, including seven against Hebron in the opening round; interceptions against Guyer in the regional final; and even in the title-game loss, the Dragon defense created a turnover and held Vandegrift to a mere 53 rushing yards.
“Our offense gets a lot of attention, and rightly so – but I’m excited about our defense,” Dodge said. “When you have a group of guys who have played a lot of football together and really care about each other and what they’re doing, you can have a really strong unit.”
“Every year we have a little chip on our shoulder because of how good the offenses at Carroll usually are,” added Lee Munn, defensive coordinator. “But it’s no more a chip this year than it is every year. The old adage is always going to be true – defense wins championships.”
It all starts up front for Carroll, and the 2025 defensive line will be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Anchoring the middle is Jake Lucky, a relentless 5-foot-8, 250-pound nose guard who finished last season with 59 tackles—44 solo—and 4.5 sacks. His five quarterback hurries and six tackles for loss speak to his ability to disrupt plays before they begin. Lucky isn’t just a space-eater; he’s a tone-setter who was named both first team all-district and a member of the UIL 6A state team.
Also on the line are Zac Hays, Crawford Taylor and Jackson Oakley – all three of which bring speed, power and experience. Hays, a dual-threat as both defensive end and punter, was named first team all-district on defense and second team as a punter. He has committed to Louisiana Tech and will continue being a two-phase contributor in 2025. Oakley, recently offered by Hendrix College, brings a high motor and toughness that makes him disruptive on every down. At 6-foot-1, he contributed eight solo tackles in 2024. Taylor, at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds and with 18 solo tackles last year, brings experience and depth to the line.
With depth, accolades and leadership up front, this is a defensive line that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in Texas.
“I think this is the best defensive line we’ve had in a long time,” Hays said.
“The offense goes against us in practice every day, so we know we’re no joke,” added Lucky. “Iron sharpens iron. Even our backups, I think they could start at most schools in Texas.”
If the defensive line is the engine, the linebackers are the heartbeat of the Carroll defense.
Leading the group is captain Marcus Brouse, one of the most versatile and explosive players on the field. A 2024 second team all-district selection, Brouse racked up 94 total tackles — 76 solo — along with 9 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and an incredible five forced fumbles. This year, he’ll shift his 6 foot, 215-pound frame to defensive end to take advantage of his speed and edge-rushing ability. Wherever he lines up, opposing quarterbacks will take notice.
At linebacker, the Dragons are stacked. Tackling-machine Robbie Ladd is also back after 104 total tackles last season (70 solo). He was the consistent force in the middle, adding nine tackles for loss, two sacks and a crucial interception. Ladd’s ability to diagnose plays and hit with precision makes him one of the most reliable defenders in District 4-6A.
William Leins returns with something to prove. After a season-ending injury limited him to eight games, Leins still managed 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Healthy and hungry, Leins is expected to be a key part of the Dragons’ push to return to the state final.
“They’re the quarterback of the defense,” Munn said. “With those three guys, they all have a ton of experience. Those three guys are always going to get us lined up right and on the same page. They’ve got a tough job.”
Added Ladd: “I really know how to lead the defense this year. I’ve watched a ton of film, and the more you watch, the better you get at it. At times I know what the offense is doing before they do it.”
Carroll’s secondary is loaded with senior talent and, perhaps more importantly, continuity. These players know each other — and the system — inside and out.
Leading the way is William Chen, who exploded onto the scene in 2024 and earned First Team All-State honors. With 61 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions, Chen is the kind of defensive back every coordinator dreams of: fast, physical, and smart. He’s committed to Brown University.
On the corners are the Bussman twins, Luke and Austin, who combined for over 50 solo tackles and 10 pass breakups last season. Luke, a track standout, brings elite speed and led the team with seven pass breakups in 2024. Austin, meanwhile, adds toughness and physicality, also contributing a sack and a forced fumble.
Taevin Kunz adds even more depth and playmaking to the secondary. He led the team with three interceptions in 2024 and can line up at both safety and corner. His versatility will allow the Dragons to disguise coverages and stay aggressive on the back end. Parker Harris, who Munn called one of the “core leaders” of the secondary, rounds out the group.
And of course, there’s Gavin Strange. Best known as the No. 2-ranked kicker in the country, Strange is also a capable defensive back. His leg, however, might be Carroll’s ultimate secret weapon: The Duke commit was 75-of-77 on extra points and drilled 8-of-11 field goals, including a clutch 36-yard game-winner to send Carroll to the state final last year.
Leadership runs deep. Brouse sets the emotional tone, while players like Chen, Lucky, Hays and Ladd lead by example on the field. Even players like Leins and Harris, who battled injuries, return as vocal and determined presences in the locker room.
“I’ve been on varsity for three years, and this is the best group I’ve ever seen,” Ladd said. “Everyone is locked in. We got a taste last year [in the state championship game], but now we have to go get it.”