Kaden Anderson Shines In 45-21 Win Over Highland Park

In his first varsity start, Kaden threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

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No Quinn Ewers, no problem. In the first game of the regular season, quarterback Kaden Anderson — our Dragon Pride Player of the Week, presented by AC Pros — showed what he’s made of. The junior completed 16 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 15 yards and a touchdown.

And it didn’t take long for him to show off either. His first touchdown of the night — a 71-yard pass to senior wide receiver Landon Samson — came early in the first quarter. 

Along with the first-quarter touchdown reception, Landon caught 5 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back James Lehman also made a very impressive one-handed touchdown reception in the second quarter, on top of the 53 yards he received. 

With regard to the ground game, senior running back Owen Allen and senior wide receiver RJ Maryland also had good nights. Maryland had an average of 29.5 yards per his two receptions while Allen rushed for 215 yards and two touchdowns. 

Part of what helped Kaden shine was the performance of the Dragon defense. Keeping Highland Park to just 21 points, the defense had some big moments that helped keep the Dragons on top. 

A diving third-quarter interception by senior linebacker Allan Kleiman led the Dragons to score a touchdown, while a fumble — caused by senior defensive back Max Reyes and recovered by junior defensive linebacker Cade Parks — turned into a Dragon field goal. 

Some defensive standouts include senior defensive linebacker Barrett Baker, who recorded four tackles, two sacks and knocked down a pass. Senior defensive back Avyonne Jones made six tackles and knocked down two passes. 

All in all, the performance of both the Dragon offense and defense meant Kaden took the second half of the fourth quarter off, allowing sophomore quarterback Caden Jackson to play out the rest of the game. 

Next on the Dragons’ radar is Rockwall-Heath, who Southlake Carroll will play at 7 p.m. next Thursday at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium. Last season, the Dragons defeated Rockwall-Heath 72-57.