The undefeated Southlake Carroll Dragons (9-0) are looking to close up district play with one last win over Keller Timber Creek Falcons (2-7) to cement an undefeated regular season during new head coach Riley Dodge's first year in the driver's seat.
The Dragons cruised to 9-0 last week with their first shut out of the season over V.R. Eaton 45-0, while the Falcons fell to Keller Central by a mere three points, 17-14.
After clinching the District 5-6A title and securing a spot in the post season just a few weeks ago, Carroll is scheduled to host Coppell on November 17 in the first round of playoffs.
However, the Dragons have one more obstacle to overcome tonight with the Falcons at home for Senior Night in Dragon Stadium.
Junior quarterback Jason Akers leads the Falcons under center, with just under 2,000 passing yards, seven touchdowns and a 60 percent completion rate.
Look for key defensive Dragons like RJ Mickens, Preston Forney and Ben Furgal to make big turnover plays against the Falcons, as Akers has thrown five interceptions already this season. The Dragon defense will need to put pressure on Akers in the pocket to force turnovers and to gain more time on the offensive side of the ball.
Timber Creek's main threat involves the run game, with senior Blake Irving rushing for 1,135 yards and 14 touchdowns. In the passing game, senior receiver Justin Haler seems to be Akers' main target, with 324 yards and two touchdowns. The Dragon defense will need to make big stops in order to contain both Irving and the run game, and to hold the Falcons to minimal yardage.
Senior Gabe Jones leads the Falcons with 78 tackles, and the Timber Creek defense has only recorded three interceptions this season, but Will Bowers and his receivers will still need to execute quick passes out of the center.
The Dragons run game should come alive tonight with both TJ McDaniel and Eli Furgal taking hand-offs from Bowers. Bowers will also be able to utilize his many receivers like Carson White and Glenn Mitchell.
The Dragons kick off against the Falcons at 7 p.m.