The Southlake Carroll Dragons (13-0) took their revenge on the Euless Trinity Trojans (10-2) Friday night, defeating them 35-7 to move on to the quarterfinal round of playoffs, and ending the Trojans' playoff aspirations.
Despite yet another lengthy weather delay at halftime – something the Dragons and their fans have become accustomed to – Carroll took control of the field in the second half to put the game away.
Moving on to the Division I quarterfinal round of the state playoffs, the Dragons will face Duncanville, another top competitor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Quarterback and Dragon Pride Player of the Week Will Bowers led Carroll, throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns, as well as one additional rushing touchdown. Bower’s 78 percent completion rate was one of his highest of the season. TJ McDaniel also had his hand in the final score, with two rushing touchdowns and 115 rushing yards against the Trojans. The tallies bring the Landry Award finalist's rushing stats to 1,971 yards and 33 touchdowns on the season.
The Dragon defense had an outstanding game as well, holding a potent Euless rushing attack to just seven points. Graham Faloona led the team with 18 total tackles, while Preston Forney followed closely behind with 17. Griffin Gumm helped contain the passing offense with two knocked down passes, as well as Brandon Howell and Sam Williams with one each.
A lengthy drive on the first possession for the Dragons led to a 26-yard pass from Bowers to RJ Mickens in the end zone to put the first seven points on the board for the Dragons.
The Trojans responded with a long drive of their own on their first possession, resulting in a one-yard touchdown from senior running back Brandon Theus, tying the score seven all.
The Dragons were quick to up the score on their next possession with a 26-yard touchdown pass to John Manero, leading the Trojans 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The Dragons struck again early in the second quarter with McDaniel's first touchdown of the night, a nine-yard rush into the end zone, widening the gap 21-7.
Halftime and a lightning delay came before the Trojans could answer, sending both teams into the locker room with Carroll still leading 21-7.
Once play finally resumed, neither team was able to score in the third quarter, however the Dragons bounced back in the fourth quarter ready to seal the game.
Bowers earned his one rushing touchdown of the night midway through the fourth quarter with a 17-yard rush into the end zone, making the score 28-7.
No answer from the Trojans gave Carroll one more opportunity to get points on the board with a one-yard touchdown run from McDaniel sealing the score and the Trojans' fate 35-7.
Coming off the win over Euless Trinity, the Dragons will now prepare for Saturday's 4:30 pm game vs the DuncanvillePanthers (12-0), one of the top defenses in the state.