John Gutierrez
Before the opening game of the 2015 season begins, the Southlake Carroll Dragons meet the Austin Westlake Chaparrals on the field.
In a few short days, the Southlake Carroll Dragons will take on the Austin Westlake Chaparrals in the state championship at AT&T Stadium. The January 16 game — for which Carroll’s tickets sold out immediately — will also serve as the unofficial second coming of the Dodge Bowl, giving fans what they longed for back in August after the celebratory match-up was canceled due to COVID-19. From the battle between the Dodges to key players, here’s what to know before kick off.
Dodge vs. Dodge
The excitement for the season-opening Dodge Bowl was dashed due to the pandemic. But thanks to a fitting turn of events, it’s now how the Dragons will finish out an impressive season. Now, one of the most exciting aspects of the state championship game has nothing to do with the players but with the head coaches. Dragon fans are familiar with both Todd and Riley Dodge — each has their own history with the team.
Todd led Southlake Carroll to four state championships between 2002 and 2006, coaching Riley to quarterback during the 2006 season when they triumphed over Austin Westlake for the title. Now he serves as the head coach for the Chaparrals, leading the team as they won the 2019 6A Div. II state championship. Riley, on the other hand, is in his third year as head coach for the Dragons — a team he also played for — with this being his first year coaching in the state championship. Eyes will be watching as the Dodges’ teams go head to head for the first time this season.
Carroll Offense vs. Westlake Defense
Last week, the Austin Westlake defense kept Galena North Shore, the defending 6A champions, to only 21 points. That is impressive when you realize North Shore scored more than 35 points against their last 12 opponents, according to MaxPreps.com.
Getting past Austin Westlake’s defense and scoring will be a must for the Dragons. Led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, the offensive line will need to work hard to push back the Chaparrals fearsome defensive front. With players like Brady Boyd, Owen Allen and RJ Maryland at the ready Ewers just needs time in the pocket to deliver results.
Key Austin Westlake Players To Watch
Heading into the state championship game, there are some Austin Westlake players to keep an eye on. First is quarterback Cade Klubnik. Yes, the Austin Westlake defense will be the big challenge for the Dragons, but they shouldn’t write off the Chaparral offense, either. Klubnick has thrown for 3,274 yards, 34 touchdowns and only three interceptions this season — averaging 251 passing yards per game.
Defensively, the key players are Brady Lamme and Hayden Bray. Lamme records an average of seven tackles per game and, so far this season, has recorded 91 tackles and six sacks — two of which were against Galena North Shore. While Hayden Bray has only recorded 41 tackles so far this season, he also has 12 sacks. In fact, Bray has recorded a sack in all but two of Austin Westlake’s games this season.
Key Southlake Carroll Players
Though he was out for most of the season with an injury, Quinn Ewers has dominated since his return. During his first game back against Arlington Martin, Ewers completed 20 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns. And then he got even better a week later against Euless Trinity when he completed 37 passes for 450 yards and six touchdowns. So with Ewers at the helm, the Dragons are in a solid position to make some offensive moves against Austin Westlake. And Carroll’s offensive game doesn’t just depend on Ewers. Along with their passing game, the Dragons will be able to depend on the running talents of Owen Allen. Allen was a key player against Duncanville, rushing for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Over the course of the season, Allen has rushed for 2,023 yards and 26 touchdowns, making him the team’s leading scorer.
Defensively, Southlake Carroll also has some standout players. Junior linebacker Baker Barrett leads the defense with an impressive 126 tackles so far this season while also recording three sacks, causing a fumble and recovering a fumble this season. But Barrett isn't the only defensive talent the Dragons have. Junior defensive back Ayvonne Jones leads the team with 15 passes knocked down this season while senior defensive back Cinque Williams is an all-around talent — he’s made two sacks, scored a defensive touchdown, caused four fumbles and recorded 82 tackles so far this season.
Statistics for Austin Westlake players are according to MaxPreps.com. The state championship game between Southlake Carroll and Austin Westlake will be aired on Fox Sports Southwest and a limited number of tickets are now available for purchase.