6A

Team Preview: Southlake Carroll Dragons

by
Adam Ogburn
July 15

Southlake Carroll Dragons

Head Coach: Riley Dodge (6^th Season)

Last Season: 13-1; 7-0 in district (Lost to Denton Guyer in Regional Final)

Southlake Carroll Key Players and Storylines

Playing into December has become a tradition for a Southlake Carroll program that has gone to at least the state quarterfinals every year since Riley Dodge took over.

It’s exactly what you’d expect from one of the most successful programs in the state. The Dragons have won eight state titles in their storied history.

For a program that continually churns out talent, this year will be no different.

Georgia Tech commit quarterback Graham Knowles (1,864 passing yards and 18 touchdowns) is back to lead the offense. And while Air Force signee Owen Allen has graduated after rushing for over 2,000 yards last season, three-star running back Riley Wormley, a Colleyville Heritage transfer, is waiting in the wings ready to fill his role.

And the loaded backfield isn’t all. The Dragon offense also boasts last year’s leading receiver Jacob Jordan (1,225 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns), four-star tight end Jack VanDorselaer, and offensive linemen Vanderbilt commit Harrison Moore and Charlotte commit Andrew Cunningham.

On the other side of the ball, the Dragons also return their top two tacklers from last season in safety Aaron Scherp (100 tackles, nine TFLs) and defensive end Dustan Mark (85 tackles, 11 TFLs). Elsewhere, fellow defensive end Zac Scarborough (60 tackles, five TFLs), cornerback Carter High (56 tackles and two INTs), and safety Eric Garza (35 tackles) were all first-team all-district selections in 2022.

There’s no doubt Southlake Carroll has another talented team on its hands in 2023. Expect the Dragons to be in the mix for another Region I championship as they aim for their first state title game appearance since 2020.