Stewart Johnson
When the Dragons last unveiled a new inflatable helmet for players to run through at the start of football games, seniors like Kaden Anderson, Owen Allen and Logan Anderson were just starting elementary school.
The well-worn helmet served honorably as the hallmark of game time and was starting to show its age after 12 years. But thanks to the generosity of the newly-established Dragon Touchdown Club (DTC), it has been relegated to a backup role in the lineup in favor of a one-of-a-kind, custom-designed, inflatable dragon head.
“This is something that has been needed for years,” says Bill Webb, Dragon Touchdown Club president and CABC treasurer. “Our old inflatable was literally held together with duct tape. We are very happy to be able to design and fund this new inflatable and donate it to Carroll Athletic Booster Club to carry on this Dragon tradition.”
Comprised of a head and a tail, the two sections combine to a staggering 54 feet long and 23 feet tall — twice the size of its predecessor. And no detail was spared as fans will enjoy its flashing LED eyes and smoke-emitting nostrils.
“For the first time, we will also be using smoke cannons when the players come through it,” Bill says.
With a price tag of $18,000, players will be running out of these jaws of victory in style for years to come. In addition to varsity football games, the inflatable will also be available to use by Dragon Youth Football and at various other community events.
The new inflatable runout is the first donated project on a long list of items held by the DTC, a 501 (c)(3) whose mission is to “support, enhance and highlight the game of football in the Southlake community.”