By EJ Holland
Southlake Carroll isn’t used to losing district games.
In fact, it had been five years since the Dragons dropped abrleague game. But the streak of 29 consecutive victories came to a halt againstbrEuless Trinity in a heartbreaking 37-35 loss.
So will the Dragons be able to recover and put it behindbrthem? The simple answer is yes. Southlake Carroll lost its opener to AustinbrWestlake on the game's final play and proceeded to win five games in a row.
“The Trinity loss will make us better,” said Southlake Carrollbrhead coach Hal Wasson. “There are winners and there are learners. We like tobrlook at the glass as half full. We're going to have some intense practices thisbrweek and be ready to go on Friday.”
Southlake Carroll returns to Dragon Stadium to take on ColleyvilleHeritage The Panthers are 4-3 overall and 2-1 in district play and enter thisbrcontest with a ton of confidence after dismantling Haltom and L.D. Bell inbrback-to-back weeks.
The Panthers feature a potent offense that returns sixbrstarters from a year ago as well as junior quarterback Cam Roane, whobrtransferred in from Grapevine Faith this offseason. Out of its Power Gunbrformation, Colleyville Heritage is averaging 35 points per game.
Most of Colleyville Heritage's damage has come through thebrair — Roane has passed for 1,823 yards and 18 touchdowns — whichbrmeans the Southlake Carroll secondary will be tested.
“We know they've been productive offensively,” Wasson said.br“We just have to tackle better and prevent the big play. Nothing ever changes.brWe know our strengths, and we know we have to play with more energy.”
That goes for the offensive side of the ball as well.brColeyville Heritage's defense, led by Boise State cornerback commit ReidbrHarrison-Ducros, has been inconsistent this season but allowed just 10 pointsbrin its last two games.
“We have to move the chains,” Wasson said. “We have to dobrwhat we do and focus on ourselves. We have to be physical in the run game. Mostbrimportantly, we have to be on the attack. Our offense should always be on thebrattack.”
Wasson added that his team takes pride in Dragon Footballbrand is fully focused on the task at hand.
“The Trinity game is over,” Wasson said. “If we go into thisbrgame feeling sorry for ourselves, it's not going to go well.”
Read about last season's matchup against Colleyville Heritage: Dragons Punish Panthers - Oct 27, 2014 12:25PM