On the heels of a 51-0 shutout of Keller Timber Creek last week, Southlake Carroll marched into its first district road game of the season on a roll. In a Thursday night contest, the Dragons proved defense travels while blanking out the Haltom Buffalos 62-0 at Birdville ISD’s W. G. Thomas Coliseum. Ranked third in the state, the Dragons have outscored the opposition 264-27 and head into a well deserved bye-week.
In this short week, head coach Riley Dodge’s squad stuck to the script that once again included a heavy rushing attack, efficient passing and another dominant defensive effort.
Defensively, the Dragons gave up just 143 yards of total offense. Falling behind quickly, the Buffalos became reliant on a passing game to try to make up the deficit. It was an amazing team effort that saw 27 different players recording at least one tackle. Senior linebacker Jack Petkus and junior defensive lineman Zach Scarborough led the team with eight tackles each. Kyle Middleton, Cade Parks and Julian Manero made a difference up front in an effort that led to four sacks and just 13 yards rushing on the night.
For the second week in a row, the Dragons showed offensive depth at every position. Behind the “Power Play” of The Dragon Pride Players of the Week — The Offensive Line, four different running backs averaged nearly 10 yards per carry while scoring six touchdowns. Senior standout Owen Allen needed just six carries to tally 108 yards and a score. Senior Todd Mallory was the workhorse on the night with 10 carries for 43 yards and two touchdowns, while Parker Thompson averaged 11 yards per carry for a score. James Lehman also showed he’s back in action when he carried for two more scores and catching another.
Behind an O-line spearheaded by captain Jake Hall, Garrett Brown and Drew Perez, the Dragons had the time to take advantage through the air as well. Kaden Anderson was his efficient self, throwing 13-16 passes (81.3%) for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Backup Graham Knowles had a great game as well, throwing 7-11 passes for a touchdown. It should not be overlooked that the Dragons quarterbacks have had all the protection they’ve needed throwing 16 touchdowns and no interceptions through the midway point.
The Dragons (5-0, 2-0) will enjoy their midseason bye-week undefeated and practically untested. However, they will return to face the undefeated Keller Indians (5-0, 2-0), who are averaging 38 points per game. The game will be played at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 at Dragon Stadium.
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