This past weekend, ahead of Texas’s Red River Showdown with Oklahoma, I decided to take a trip back to my roots – to Dragon Stadium where the Carroll Dragons were hosting the Keller Indians. Entering Friday’s game, the Dragons were the third-ranked team in the state’s 6A classification, and have historically bettered the Keller Indians, their district foe. However, this year’s matchup would be the provider of a few more heart palpitations than usual for Dragons fans.
Keller vs #3 Southlake Carroll:
Prior to this season, the Dragons were one of the popular preseason title picks for fans and the media alike. However, Carroll will have to prove that they can reach the title game in year number two without Quinn Ewers at quarterback.
Something happened on Friday that seemingly has not happened in many year’s in this regular district matchup… Keller provided the first punch and, more importantly, did not stop firing their hands all night. Indians senior quarterback Tre Guerra did a solid job of staying in the pocket and finding his wideouts on short-to immediate level passes. Additionally, junior running back Cameron Rayford was able to gash the Dragons defense for chunk yardage left and right as well.
Due to Keller’s dynamic duo, the Dragons offense faced pressure to match Keller’s scoring power and did just that. Carroll senior quarterback Kaden Anderson, a Wyoming commit, was efficient when given the chance to throw the football and even made a couple of plays with his legs. Unfortunately, Anderson also happened to sustain an injury on one of his rushes and was on crutches following the game. The status of Anderson will be one to watch for the Dragons.
Along with Anderson, one of the state’s hidden secrets lines up at running back in Owen Allen, who has earned the nickname “Mr. Fall Forward for Five Yards,” from myself. Like most Dragons games, Allen was the workhorse for the Dragons offense and provided an ample amount of firepower – rushing for 230 yards and 3 touchdowns on Friday.
After trailing the Indians at half time, the Dragons stormed back and took a 38-28 lead late in the third quarter. However, later in the contest, after an uncharacteristic fumble from Allen in the fourth quarter, the Indians were given the chance to tie up the game, being down just 38-35. Despite a decent drive late by the Indians, Carroll’s defense finally took a stand as defensive back Logan Lewandowski sealed the deal for the Dragons with an interception in Dragon territory.
Extra Point:
Dragons senior offensive lineman Andrew Perez looks like a skyscraper compared to the rest of the line. Already committed to Colorado, Perez’s recruitment will be one to continue to watch as Signing Day approaches and other schools take notice.
In addition to Perez, Carroll has a trio of talent at the tight end position where they have stashed a number of sizable targets. Unfortunately for me, I did not get to see too many passing plays designed for the trio as they were primarily used as in-line blockers.
Miles:
436
