Southlake’s tradition as a Texas football powerhouse became entrenched when head coach Bob Ledbetter led the Dragons to the heights of 3A football and three state titles in the late 1980s and early '90s. From 1975 to 1995, Ledbetter won in outstanding fashion and at one point amassed 72 straight regular season victories. Ledbetter’s successes were honored this past July when he was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor.
After Ledbetter’s departure from the coaching ranks to the role of athletic director, Southlake’s remaining three seasons in the '90s (post Ledbetter) were little more than mediocre at 29-17-1.
If the tradition was entrenched under Ledbetter, it became legendary under Todd Dodge. From 2000 through 2006, the “Dodge Ball” high-powered offense would produce four state championships, two “mythical national championships,” six consecutive Texas 5A Players of the Year and more than 22 NCAA Division one athletes on their way to a stunning 98-11 record.
A potent offense may have been the trademark for Southlake over the last decade, but a solid defense is also the hallmark of a championship team. The following highlights the best players of the most storied decade in Dragon history.
Head Coach: Todd Dodge (2000-2006)
Dodge, widely known as one of the larger-than-life forefathers of the spread offense was once an undersized quarterback from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas. In 1980, as a senior, Dodge became the first quarterback in state history to throw for more than 3,000 yards. He went on to play at The University of Texas at Austin. In addition to his 98-11 record and four class 5A state championships Dodge’s 2005 team set the Texas 5A state record for most points in a single season (764). Dodge was named National Coach of the Year by Schutt Sports in 2004 and by "USA Today" in 2005.
Quarterback: Chase Daniel (2002-2004)
College: Missouri, 2007 Heisman Finalist
NFL: New Orleans Saints, 2009 Super Bowl Champion
Amazingly enough, amongst a list of consecutive 5A Players of the year in Chase Wasson, Chase Daniel, Greg McElroy and Riley Dodge it takes an EA Sports National High School Player of the Year to stand out of this crowd. As a two year starter at quarterback (was a WR as a Sophomore), Daniel completed over 65% of his passes for 8,298 yards and 91 touchdowns. Known primarily for the strength of his arm Daniel also accounted for 2,954 rushing yards and 39 scores. With Daniel at the helm the Dragons went 31-1 with a State and Mythical National Championship (2004).
Running Back: Aaron Luna (2002-2004)
College: Rice, 2007 Baseball Writers All American (Third Team)
MLB: St. Louis Cardinals (Ninth Round 2008)
Daniel’s ground counterpart, Aaron Luna was a highly decorated four-year letterman and three-time all-state selection. He was named the team's most valuable player three times ,and his power running was a big part of the Dragons state championship teams (2002 and 2004).
Despite his successes on the gridiron, Luna chose to focus on a very successful baseball career at Rice University. He was a ninth round draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008 and is currently playing in the minor leagues.
Running Back: Tre Newton (2004-2006)
College: University of Texas at Austin
A four-year letterman and three time all-state selection, Newton punished opposing defenses rushing for 4,728 yards and 49 touchdowns on just 610 career carries (7.8 average). Also a part of the air attack he took in 56 passes for 784 yards and six scores. Tre is currently the starting running back at Texas as he was for last year’s BCS Bowl Championship game vs. Alabama and one-time teammate Greg McElroy.
Wide Receiver: McKay Jacobson (2003-2005)
College: Brigham Young University (BYU)
A three-year starter, Jacobson finished his career with school records in both receptions (201) and yards (3,019). After posting 99 receptions, 1,631 yards and 19 touchdowns his senior year, Jacobson was not only chosen as the team’s top offensive player but also was chosen first team all-state and the state’s wide receiver of the year. In 2009, he started nine games for the Cougars catching 23 balls for 556 yards and four touchdowns.
Wide Receiver: Clint Renfro (2004-2005)
College: Texas Christian University (TCU)
Renfro garnered all-state honors as a junior with 72 receptions for 1,454 yards and 23 touchdowns. He finished his career with 120 receptions, 2,314 yards and 32 touchdowns. As a standout track star, he was the state runner-up in the Class 5A 300-meter hurdles and also runs track for TCU.
Wide Receiver: Blake Cantu (2006-2007)
College: University of Oregon
A sturdy, sure-handed receiver and top choice for Riley Dodge’s vertical attack- Cantu finished his career with 150 catches for 2,050 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was first team all-state as a junior. He has been slowed by shoulder injuries the past two seasons at Oregon.
Wide Receiver: Scott Chandler (2001-2002)
College: University of Iowa
NFL: Dallas Cowboys
Chandler was part of the 4A Dragon team that jumped to 5A for his senior year becoming the first team in Texas history to do so and win a state championship. His 68 receptions, 1,203 yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior year earned him all-state honors. For his two-year career, Chandler posted 105 receptions, 1,790 yards and 25 touchdowns. His height (6-foot, 7-inch) came in handy on the field and as a three year letterman in basketball. Iowa converted him to Tight End where he became a fourth round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers. He has since come home to play for the Dallas Cowboys.
Offensive Line: Mitch Enright (2001-2004)
College: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Enright anchored the line as a rare four-year starter during which the Dragons went 56-2. In the championship year of 2004, he impressively didn’t allow a sack over the course of 475 pass attempts, ultimately grading out at 92% for the season and earning first-team all-state honors. A three-time winner of the Conference USA All Academic Medal, Mitch is currently enrolled in the SMU’s Cox School of Business earning an MBA in Marketing and Strategic Leadership.
Offensive Line: Adam Ulatoski (2001-2003)
College: University of Texas at Austin
NFL: Houston Texans
Ulatoski was a three year starter and a two-time first-team all-state selection. Just as impressive, he was considered a top five finalist for Texas 5A Player of the Year by Dave Campbell's Texas Football. Gained national attention as a Parade All-American. He was a five-year lineman at the University of Texas where he started 43 games at both left and right tackle. Earned second-team all-american honors as a senior and was a three-time all-Big 12 selection. In 2010, he was an undrafted free agent of the Houston Texans. Recently released, he is still looking for a home in the NFL.
Offensive Line: Sam Schwartzstein (2006-2007)
College: Stanford University
With a personality as huge as his then 270-pound frame, Schwartzstein provided big time protection to the blind side of the 2006 and 2007 squads. He earned second team all-state honors from the Associated Press and was a first team all-district selection as a senior. He has yet to see time on the field for Stanford after a 2009 redshirt year but is currently slated as the backup at left guard for the 2010 season.
Offensive Line: Jake Jackson (2006-2007)
College: Baylor University
One of the bigger lineman in recent history, Jackson towed the blind side at left guard alongside Schwartzstein in 2006 and 2007. Like Enright in 2004, he did not allow a sack as a senior and was honored as a second-team all-state selection the same year. Recorded 143 pins/pancake blocks and graded out at 98% in 2007. In 2009 as a redshirt freshman, he saw action in 12 games as a reserve.
Offensive Line: Michael Prince (2004-2005)
College: University of Missouri
A two year starter and all-state selection as a senior, Prince was part of two state championship winning teams. He was recruited to play football at the University of Missouri but never reached his early potential.
Defensive Line: Jackson Richards (2007-2009)
College: Texas Tech University
A highly rated player and three-year letterman, Richards was listed as the No. 23 ranked defensive end in the nation after his senior year. Predominantly facing double teams his senior year he still posted nine sacks, 53 tackles and five forced fumbles. He has lived up to his long-time commitment and is currently on the roster with the Red Raiders.
Defensive Line: Kyle Russo
College: Southern Illinois University, JR
A big time pass rusher who posted 31 sacks and 193 tackles as a two-year starter, Russo was selected as a second team all-state player after his senior season. In 2009, Russo played in all 13 games for SIU posting six sacks and earning honors as the MVFC all-newcomer team. He is expected to continue on as he is listed as a pre-season first-team MVFC selection.
Defensive Line: Brayden Burnett (2007-2008)
College: University of Missouri
Burnett tallied 65 tackles, 15 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and two defensive touchdowns in his senior campaign – earning second-team all-state and first-team all-district honors. Over the course of his career, he accumulated 27 sacks. Burnett was highly recruited and chose to become a Mizzou Tiger, where he is expected to make serious contributions in the near future.
Defensive Line: Harold Williams (2002-2003)
College: Princeton University
A heads up player who used his football IQ to become a fierce pass rusher, Williams utilized his smarts at the next level playing for Princeton University.
Linebacker: Justin Padron (2004-2006)
College: University of North Texas
Padron overcame juvenile diabetes much in the same way he overtook opposing offenses. As a middle linebacker, he was involved in most every play logging 248 tackles and anchoring a stifling defense that held nine of 16 opponents to seven points or less in 2006. A member of three consecutive state title teams, Padron was also selected as the 2006 winner of the Jack Pardee Award as the state’s most outstanding linebacker in addition to first-team all-state honors as a senior.
Linebacker: Patrick Benoist (2004-2005)
College: Vanderbilt University
Benoist was a major force over in the middle over his two year career. As a senior, he tallied 172 tackles, 29 of them for a loss. Despite all the tackles, he may be best known for his interception against Abilene in the regional finals sparking the Dragons to their second state title of the decade. He completed his career at Vanderbilt in 2009 as the team’s defensive co-captain, second leading tackler (85) and three-time SEC academic honor roll recipient.
Linebacker: Derek Tomlin (2006-2007)
Undoubtedly the fastest linebacker to ever wear Dragon green, Tomlin’s speed to the ball allowed him to post 185 tackles in his junior season.
Secondary: Joseph Agnew (2005-2006)
College: Rice University
Agnew was a tough nosed safety who possessed excellent leadership skills. Named all-state by the Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2005, he brought down two crucial interceptions in the Dragons' state championship win over Katy in 2005. He went on to Rice University where he saw some time on the football field but made his mark in track and field.
Secondary: Kacy Rodgers (2008-2009)
College: University of Miami
At 6-foot, 2-inches, Rodgers possessed the length and speed necessary to stay with just about every wide receiver he lined up against. In his junior season, he posted 29 tackles and three interceptions. Despite a season-ending knee injury in his senior year, Rodgers was still highly coveted as a top cornerback on the national scene (No. 14 by Scout.com). As a true freshman, this year he is suiting up as a safety in the defensive backfield for the Hurricanes.
Secondary: Arius Ford (2006-2007)
College: Georgetown University
Ford used his speed demon track skills (two-time letterman) to his advantage, excelling as a serious cover corner during his Dragon years. He went on to college at Georgetown University.
Secondary: Cameron Parker (2003-2004)
College: Southwest Baptist University
An all-district first-team selection as a senior, Parker tallied 85 tackles, six interceptions and one blocked punt. Also lettered three years on the track team
Kicker: Cade Foster (2006-2009)
College: University of Alabama
This was a tough choice when put up against Garrett Hartley of the New Orleans Saints. But we are biased to the 2009 Dragon Pride cover man and his rare four-year letterman status. With a leg as strong as his upper body (could bench 370 as a senior), he connected on 38 of 48 field goals in his career posting a career long of 49 yards. Cade routinely put kickoffs through the end zone and returnees on their backs, perfected his tackling skills as the team’s starting middle linebacker his last two years. Foster wasted no time as he suited up as the Crimson Tide’s starting kicker and nailed two field goals including a 41 yarder on his way to being named Alabama’s special teams player of the week in his very first start.