Stewart Johnson
As expected, the rainy and cool weather did play into coach Riley Dodge’s play-calling, but it didn’t dampen spirits around Southlake’s Homecoming game. With a 35-7 win over Keller Central Friday, the Carroll Dragons are heading to the playoffs with an undefeated record. With their eighth win, the Dragons are currently ranked No. 10 according to MaxPreps and No. 20 on "USA Today's" Super 25.
Stewart Johnson
The DFW Elite Realty Player of the Game, sponsored by Thomas and Sharon Michael, was freshman running back Owen Allen, who had 38 rushes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. This makes Allen the team’s leading rusher with 571 yards and eleven touchdowns on 100 carries this season.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers had a good game passing 14-20 for 194 yards and a touchdown to tight end Blake Smith. Ewers continues to impress as a first-year starter with 2,196 passing yards and 23 touchdowns on the season.
The Carroll Dragons were also strong defensively, only allowing Keller Central 146 total yards of offense. Graham Faloona was the team’s leading tackler at this game with 17, followed by Preston Forney and Will buss with 13 and 10 tackles respectively.
Stewart Johnson
The team also recorded four sacks on the night, which included one by Dillon Springer, who also recorded his first career interception on Friday.
Looking ahead to this week, the Dragons are set to play the Haslet Eaton Eagles (4-4) who are entering their fourth season of play and looking to having their first winning season.
The Eaton Eagles have reached the postseason before — the first time was two years ago in their second season — and their solid defense will be something to watch out for. Eaton only gave up an average of 21.5 points per game (8.8 points through the first four games).
The Eagles will also aim to revamp its running attack after losing its top two rushers in Dawson Pell and Titus Swen, who combined for 1,350 yards last season. Senior quarterback Amari Blount (803 yards passing, seven touchdowns) leads the passing attack to his top receiving targets in Max McCuiston (374 yards, five touchdowns) and Kenneth Greene (129 yards, one touchdown).
If that wasn’t enough to look forward to, Carroll ISD will also be presented with the 2019 UIL Lone Star Cup for the 6A division during Friday’s halftime. This is an honor the Dragons received based on team performances in district and state championships. Plus, it is not only the last home game of the season but also senior night, so fans can come out and celebrate the class of 2020!