The Southlake Carroll Dragons added another remarkable chapter to their storied football history in 2024. With a 15-1 record, an undefeated district championship, and a deep playoff run that ended in the 6A Division II state final, the Dragons once again proved why they are among Texas high school football’s elite programs.
Dominating District Play
Southlake Carroll wasted no time establishing itself as a powerhouse this season. The Dragons opened with decisive wins over Midland (48-24) and Hebron (59-16), setting the tone for an explosive offense led by quarterback Angelo Renda. They steamrolled through District 4-6A, finishing 8-0, outscoring opponents by a staggering 404-92 in district play.
One of the defining moments of the regular season came against Byron Nelson, a rematch of last year’s district title game. Carroll avenged their 2023 loss with a commanding 31-21 victory, reclaiming the district crown. A week later, they put up 73 points against Bell, proving they were more than ready for a deep playoff push.
Playoff Excellence
When the postseason arrived, the Dragons elevated their play. They opened with a dominant 69-7 win over Mansfield Legacy, followed by a thrilling 49-42 victory over Frenship in the area round. The regional semifinals featured a hard-fought 42-37 battle against Hebron, where Renda and his receivers showcased their explosive chemistry.
The biggest statement came in the regional final against Guyer, a 56-45 victory in which Carroll’s offense operated at peak efficiency. With Renda firing on all cylinders and receivers like Brock Boyd and Blake Gunter making big plays, the Dragons secured their spot in the state semifinals.
Grit and Resilience in the Playoff Run
The state semifinal matchup against Longview was a test of Carroll’s toughness. The game went down to the wire, with kicker Gavin Strange delivering a walk-off game-winning field goal to lift the Dragons to a 20-17 victory. It was a game defined by strong defensive performances from linebackers Robbie Ladd and Marcus Brouse, as well as a key interception from Ethan Fisher.
That win punched Carroll’s ticket to the 6A Division II state championship at AT&T Stadium, where they faced a tough Vandegrift team. In a hard-fought battle, the Dragons fell 24-17. Renda passed for 254 yards and two touchdowns, while Boyd hauled in 10 receptions for 136 yards. The game came down to crucial defensive stops by Vandegrift, but Carroll never stopped battling until the final whistle.
Key Players and Standouts
Renda had a phenomenal season, throwing for 3,550 yards and 40 touchdowns while completing over 71% of his passes. His primary target, TCU commit Brock Boyd, was unstoppable all year, leading the team with 1,690 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. Sophomore playmakers Blake Gunter and Brody Knowles also stepped up, each catching eight touchdowns on the season.
The rushing attack was led by Baylor commit Davis Penn and USC commit Riley Wormley, both of whom had strong performances before suffering season-ending injuries. Despite their absence, third-string running back Christian Glenn filled the void impressively, particularly in the playoffs.
Defensively, Tennessee commit Jack Vandorselaer was a force at defensive end, leading the team in QB hurries while also contributing at tight end. Defensive linemen Zac Hays (10.5 sacks) and Austin Davidge (9.5 sacks) consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks. In the secondary, Taevin Kunz and William Chen provided key interceptions throughout the season.
A Legacy of Success and a Bright Future
While the Dragons came up just short of their ultimate goal, the 2024 season was an undeniable success. Reaching the state championship game for the first time since 2020 and winning their first district title since 2021 reaffirmed Southlake Carroll’s status as one of the premier programs in Texas.
With Renda, Gunter, Knowles, and key defensive pieces returning next year, the Dragons are poised for another championship-caliber run in 2025. The foundation is strong, the culture of winning remains intact, and Southlake Carroll will be back—stronger than ever.
