Alex Kingston runs 12 yards for the season's first score after intercepting a Warrior pass early in the third quarter of a 25-8 victory over the South Grand Prairie Warriors. Photo by Kent Crawford Photography.
After a slow start, the Dragons rallied in the second half to defeat the South Grand Prairie Warriors 25-8 to win the season opener for newly minted head coach Riley Dodge.
With a scoreless first half, Southlake Carroll changed the momentum when defensive lineman, and Dragon Pride Player of the Week Alex Kingston intercepted a shovel pass from South Grand Prairie, running it in 12 yards for the Dragon’s first points of the season. Quarterback Will Bowers ran the ensuing extra-point attempt for a two-point conversion and an 8-0 third quarter lead.
The Warriors were quick to respond with a 10 play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 25-yard touchdown run from running back Keodrick Young. South Grand Prairie also executed a two-point conversion, tying the game at eight midway through the third quarter.
The Dragonsbrbroke the tie with a four-yard run from SMU commit TJ McDaniel, and a 25-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Joe McFadden to give Southlake a two-possession lead over the Warriors.
With just over three minutes left in the game, Bowers put the game out of reach with an untouched 69-yard touchdown run down the left hash of the field, finalizing the score 25-8. This was Bower’s first touchdown of the season.
Head Coach Riley Dodge celebrates
Head Coach Riley Dodge celebrates his first victory a 25-8 final score over South Grand Prairie on Thursday, August 30 2018.
“Knowing that it was back and forth all the time throughout the game, I really just wanted to seal the deal,” Bowers said.
Dodge was very pleased with the turn of the game, and with earning his first win with his alma mater.
“Feels good,” Dodge said. “The kids were focused all week and did an amazing job on the short week preparing, it was definitely a grind and a hard-fought football game.”
The Dragons had a total of three interceptions on the game, including one from four-star recruit RJ Mickens, who recorded his first interception of the season after a ball bounced off a Warrior’s receiver. Brandon Howell returned his interception 33 yards which set up McDaniel’s TD score.
Southlake Carroll had a total of 262 offensive yards, 71 passing and 191 rushing, to South Grand Prairie’s 241 yards. The Dragon defense was key in the game, forcing turnovers and holding the line against the Warriors.
The Dragons now look ahead to their first home game of the season against the Colleyville Heritage Panthers on Friday.