Dragon football season is upon us. The community is anticipating another great run, preparing to spend Friday nights in their favorite stadium. Southlake knows football and the players have trained all summer to prove themselves worthy of the state title.
“This year, by far, we have had the best summer training,” junior Luke Wilson, a left tackle, said. “Everyone’s dedicated. We’re hungry. We’re getting after it. We’re ready to go to the championship.”
The Dragons made it to the UIL State Championship game last year, but fell short of first place, losing to Austin Vandergriff 24-17. Though many doubted the team would make it even that far.
“I always expect to win games,” senior quarterback Angelo Renda said. “I don’t think a lot of [people] thought we would, but in the field house, we all knew what we were capable of, and we showed that.”
This team has a habit of excellence with three national titles, eight state titles, and consistently deep playoff runs. Currently ranked number one in the division, they plan to bring their best to the field every game.
“We have a very confident bunch of kids,” associate coach Jason Jaynes said. “They’re confident in who they are, and they’re confident in what they can achieve. Last year in the state game, feeling that weight, feeling that environment, feeling that moment; they’re not gonna be scared of it this year.”
Jaynes says that Carroll football culture fosters a family atmosphere. They aim to raise leaders in their program who serve as an example to their teammates.
“We have created an environment where everyone is able to speak up,” Jaynes said. “When you’re in a family, everybody matters.”
Another pivotal part of the program is the standard set. The line “the standard is the standard” is often used by the coaches.
“The standard was here way before these kids were here,” Jaynes said. “It was here before Coach Dodge was here, even as a player. It’ll be here after we all leave, but the standard is how these players hold themselves accountable. We strive to protect that tradition.”
There is a certain fervor that comes with the green jersey and dragon logo. It intimidates. Teams have heard of the program and expect to witness excellence. This year alone the team has several division one commits, such as quarterback Angelo Renda to the University of Pittsburgh, and wide receiver Brock Boyd to Ohio State.
“You can beat a team without having set foot on the field,” Jaynes said. “Our program, the intensity of it, can scare our opponents. They can give up before the battle is even fought.”
That is the mindset going into this season, with the first game set for Aug. 29 in Midland.
“Everything is scripted out,” Jaynes said. “Every play, every practice, every five minute period. It’s all regimented. I like to think that we carry a college-type program at high school level.”
The Dragons anticipate picking up right where they left off, heads held high and ready for another challenge.
“One thing our program does well is taking it week by week,” Jaynes said. “We don’t wanna be our best football team right now. We’ll grow throughout the season, learning from each of our opponents and preparing for whatever comes next.”
