Andy Chelf (15), Clark Parr (47) and Joel McClellan (17) chase down a Euless Trinity receiver during the Dragons 10-6 win at Dragon Stadium.
by EJ Holland-
Another week, another thrilling win for the nationally ranked Dragons .
Things haven't changed much for the boys sporting green and white. Behind late game heroics and go for it all coaching, Southlake Carroll keeps on filling the win column against some of the state's (and Oklahoma's) best squads. All the buzz now has many outside of the city thinking this team could contend for another state title.
But head coach Hal Wasson doesn't want his team to look too far ahead or even backwards for that matter. After all, last week's 10-6 victory over new district rival Euless Trinity is over. It's time to get back to business.
“We want to keep the focus on ourselves,” Wasson said. “It's about the next game. Like I've been saying all year, the next game is always the biggest game because if we don't play at our best, we could be in trouble.”
That next game is on Friday against a formidable Colleyville Heritage team, which is 4-3 overall and more importantly, 2-1 in district play. The Panthers' only loss came to Euless Trinity, 14-0, in the 7-6A opener, but they've bounced back with big victories over Haltom and L.D. Bell.
Colleyville Heritage isn't the same team most high school fans in the area are used to seeing. Gone is quarterback Cody Thomas, who is now at Oklahoma, and so is the pass happy offense. Instead, Colleyville Heritage has transformed into a run first team.
The main man in the Panthers' rushing attack is 6-foot-2, 205-pound running back Demarco Corbin, who is an absolute load to bring down. Corbin has rushed for 650 yards and nine touchdowns this season and is averaging a little more than seven yards per carry. Fellow backs Jamarie Williams and Justin Toberny also see time and have combined for 554 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
While Colleyville Heritage is capable of throwing the ball down field with new starting quarterback Trevor Anderson, the key for the Dragon Defense and top tacklers ike; Andy Chelf, Clark Parr, Joel McClellan and King Newton is to stop the Panthers and Corbin.
“They are emphasizing the run more this year. Their running backs make a lot of big plays for them,” Wasson said. “The key for our defense is definitely going to be stopping the run and not giving them much room to run.”
Despite scoring just 10 points last week, Wasson was pleased with his own offense and expects the Dragons to do even better against a Colleyville Heritage defense that has been inconsistent this season.
While quarterback Ryan Agnew will obviously be a focal point, Southlake Carroll needs another solid game from running back Lil' Jordan Humprey and the offensive line, which is tasked with blocking mammoth defensive lineman Jason Williams.
“I thought we did a good job against a Trinity defense that is one of the best in the state. We just have to be more consistent this week,” Wasson said. “I think we've improved physically up front, and we're running the ball well. We just need to cut down some miscues and be at our best.”
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