by Justin Thomas
Carroll head coach Hal Wasson noted prior to the start ofbrthe Class 6A playoffs just how tough it would be for the Dragons to maneuverbrthrough a loaded Region I. Nevertheless, after defeating the Arlington Colts 28-24 last week his squad is one win away from doingbrjust that.
Carroll will compete for the 6A Region I Division II title at 6 p.m. Saturday at Baylor's McLane Stadium in Waco when the Dragons gobrhead-to-head with Waco Midway.
The Panthers entered the playoffs as the third-rankedbrteam in Region I according to the Texas High School Coaches Association and arebrunbeaten on the season at 13-0.
“They're a very talented team and they're undefeated forbra reason,” Wasson said. “They've very polished, very experienced and verybrwell-coached. But any time you can get this deep and be one of the final eightbrteams that's what you're going to see. We're going to have to play a greatbrfootball game in all three areas.”
Midway's offense centers around quarterback and Oklahomabrcommit Tanner Mordecai. “He's really, really good,” Wasson said. “We're going to have our hands full.” The dual-threat senior has posted prolific numbers thisbrseason, completing better than 60 percent of his passes for 3,605 yards and 46brtouchdowns against eight interceptions while rushing for 956 yards (6.8 perbrcarry) with an additional three scores.
Mordecai is supported in the ground game by dynamicbrjunior James Fullbright, who is in the midst of a season of 1,538 yards (7.6brper carry) with seven touchdowns. Fullbright is also fourth on the team in receptions withbrClayton Williams pacing the squad with 75 catches for 1,380 yards and 19brtouchdowns. D'Ante Thomas is a quality possession receiver in the passing game,brwhile Demarcus Degrate may be the most dangerous of the bunch. The junior isbraveraging 21 yards per receptions with 12 of his 33 catches going forbrtouchdowns.
Overall, Midway comes into the contest averaging 51brpoints and 473 yards per game.
Defensively, the Panthers are just as stout statistically,brgiving up an average of just 14 points per game, including just 38 points combinedbrin their three playoff victories.
“They have a very good defensive tackle and a good rushbrend,” Wasson said. “They really run to the football well and are an athleticbrgroup. But like I said, they're also very experienced and polished.”
A win would send Carroll to the state semifinals for thebrfirst time since winning it all in 2011. Midway also last reached the statebrsemis in 2011 but has never won it all.