by EJ Holland
Southlake Carroll looked like, well, a lot like SouthlakebrCarroll of the past.
Despite losing star defensive back and wide receiver RobertbrBarnes, the Dragons played with purpose last week and notched a dominant 45-7brwin over L.D. Bell to extend their winning streak to eight.
“It was a great win for us,” Wasson said. “I thought it wasbrour most complete game on offense and defense. We've been improving allbrthroughout the season, and we're starting to see it all pay off for us. It wasbran important win.”
Now, Southlake Carroll has an opportunity to win an outrightbrdistrict title for the fifth time in the last six years.
“It would be big for a program,” Wasson said. “I'm proud forbrour guys to have the opportunity to do it at home. It would be a testament tobrthe work we've put in. We set that goal at the beginning of the year, and now,brwe have a chance to reach it.”
Standing in Southlake Carroll's way is Hebron. The Hawks arebrcurrently 7-2 overall and 5-1 in district play, which means they can earn a sharebrof the title with a win on Friday night.
Hebron boasts an explosive spread offense that averages 33brpoints per game. Junior quarterback Clayton Tune is considered one of thebrarea's best signal-callers and has passed for 2,021 yards and 17 touchdowns.
“It's good for us because we're going to face a challengebrbefore the playoffs,” Wasson said. “Our defense is going to be tested. Theirbrquarterback is the best quarterback we've faced so far. Their receivers will bebrtough to cover. They can also run the ball.”
On the flip side of the ball, Hebron has been a bitbrinconsistent. The Hawks are averaging around 24 points allowed per game andbrhave allowed opponents to score more than 30 points in two of their last fourbrcontests.
Southlake Carroll's best bet might be running the football.brHebron has a solid secondary led by junior cornerback Verone McKinley III, whobralready holds more than 20 FBS offers.
“I think the key for us is going to be getting the run gamebrgoing,” Wasson said. “We have to be more physical up front. If there is an areabrwe can improve, it's at wide receiver. They need to step up as well.
“This game is going to be a challenge for everybody.”