Now in his fourth year as the Southlake Carroll head coach, Riley Dodge is ready for the upcoming season, especially with a slate of seasoned seniors ready to take the field.
“I love them. I have a special place in my heart for the senior class,” Riley says. “They were eighth graders when I got here, so they’ve been [here] four years with this coaching staff. We really feel like we’ve put a stamp on this senior class, and they’ve put a stamp on us as a staff.”
Going into the season with three goals — win the district championship, practice on Thanksgiving and win the state championship — Riley says the team spent the offseason working on their strength and conditioning and improving their football skills.
“I’m just always excited about new opportunities with whoever you have kid-wise, but with this group, I know what they’re made of,” Riley says. “We had an unbelievable year [last year], so they played in big-time ballgames. I don’t think any ballgame that they’re going to play in this year is too big for them.”
Landon Samson, Wide Receiver (6)
Coming off a breakout junior season with four years of varsity experience, Landon Samson has big goals for his final season.
“I want to be First-Team All-State this year...I also want to get that ring, finish what we started,” Landon says. “I also want to have hopefully over 2,000 yards. I think that would be a big accomplishment and solidify me as one of the best receivers to come through Southlake.”
Excited to get back in the game, Landon says he’s ready to see the stadium full of Dragon fans.
Joey Baker, Offensive Lineman (71)
Joey Baker is more than ready for 2021. With two-and-a-half years on varsity under his belt, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound tackle spent the offseason working on getting stronger and faster.
“You can always improve your technique,” Joey says. “I just really felt that last year I was lacking a bit in my strength, so I really put in the extra time in the weight room this summer.”
With a goal to win the state championship and make the All-State team, Joey, a Kansas commit, is determined to make the most of his last year before heading off to college.
Calder Bray, Defensive Lineman (91)
Going into his third year on varsity, Calder Bray is looking forward to his senior year, from practices to team dinners, even as the Dragons face one of the hardest district schedules in the state.
“I think it’s tough,” Calder says about this season’s schedule. “I think our out-of-districts are insane, and I think our districts are always a challenge. Our out-of-districts are definitely going to test this team early, but I’m pretty confident about it.”
In preparation for the season, Calder spent the offseason in the weight room, working to improve his strength.
Nate Gall, Linebacker (30)
After getting hurt last season, Nate Gall is ready to step up and make a name for himself in his third year on varsity.
“I’m just making sure I’m healthy and [working on] footwork and speed right now,” Nate says.
Nate says he’s excited for the season’s schedule and non-district games, which he says will prepare the team when the district games roll around. With just one year left as a Dragon, Nate is sure to savor every moment playing with his teammates.
Avyonne Jones, Defensive Back (1)
After a celebrated junior season, Avyonne Jones is excited to take even more of a leadership role this year.
“Our whole class is kind of who we have out on the field this year,” Avyonne says. “We have a lot of young kids that are coming up and rotating. Being able to be a senior and be a leader and help bring those kids along is huge.”
Avyonne, a Wisconsin commit, says after working to improve their knowledge of the game, this year’s team feels great about their chances for a state championship.
Allan Kleiman, Linebacker (15)
Now entering his third year on the varsity team, Allan Kleiman has spent the offseason mentally preparing for the fight for a state championship.
“Definitely just the mental side of the game, because the games are very long, very tiring,” Allan says when asked what he’s worked on improving.
With the season just getting underway, Allan says he’s excited about the opportunity to compete against some great teams across Texas. And like his fellow seniors, Allan is not taking the opportunity to play with his friends one last season for granted.
RJ Maryland, Wide Receiver (13)
This upcoming season will serve as RJ Maryland’s second on varsity and he wants to do all he can for his team — especially after working to improve in nearly every aspect of the game.
“Running, catching, juke moves, spin moves, hurdles, mossing, all of that,” RJ says.
Poised for an even better season than he had last year, the son of former Dallas Cowboy Russell Maryland has his eye on the prize. And that prize is a state championship.
Owen Ohser, Wide Receiver (4)
Now in his third year on the varsity team, Owen Ohser is eager to step into a leadership role and serve as an example to his younger teammates.
“I’m really excited,” Owen says. “[We’re] just gonna go finish what we started last year.”
Working during the offseason to improve his route running, Owen says the tough non-district games at the beginning of the season will help prepare the team for the playoffs.
Benecio Porras, Linebacker (32)
Following up an All-District performance a year ago, Benecio Porras says he feels good about his senior season.
“We have a lot of returning starters, we have a more experienced team now, and we just have a bunch of underdogs ready to fight and prove the whole world wrong,” Benecio says.
Having spent the offseason honing both his athletic and leadership skills, Benecio says he’s ready to help lead the team to the state championship game.
Max Reyes, Defensive Back (24)
One of the few two-sport athletes on the team — he plays baseball in the spring — Max Reyes rarely takes time off and has big goals for this season.
“My goal is definitely All-District, and then hopefully to get the team to 16-0 and win state,” Max says.
Going into this third year on the varsity team, Max worked on improving his strength and speed during the offseason. With a schedule he’s excited for, Max is ready to help lead the team into the playoffs stronger than ever.
Josh Spaeth, Defensive Back (11)
Now in his third year on varsity, and after moving from offense to defense to help the team, Josh Spaeth says he expects this season to be a great one.
“We have a lot of pressure coming back from a state game last year,” Josh says. “It’s gonna be a fun ride.”
Going into the season, Josh’s personal goals include making All-District and All-State while his team goals are to go 16-0. After an offseason spent trying to get stronger and becoming more of a leader, Josh is more than ready to take to the field.