Southlake Carroll Preseason Review: Dragons Set to Strike Again

Date | Opponent | Game Info 8/29 | @ Midland | Midland 9/5 | vs Hebron | Hebron 9/12 | @ Byron Nelson | Byron Nelson* 9/19 | vs Trinity | Trinity* 9/25 | @ Timber Creek | Timber Creek* 10/3 | vs Keller | Keller* 10/9 | @ V.R. Eaton | V.R. Eaton* 10/17 | vs Northwest | Northwest* 10/24 | @ Bell | Bell* 10/31 | vs Keller Central | Keller Central*   Southlake Carroll put together another dominant season in 2024, finishing 15-1 overall and 8-0 in district play under the leadership of head coach Riley Dodge. The Dragons once again proved why they're one of the most respected programs in Texas high school football playing fast, physical, and disciplined on both sides of the ball.   Offensively, Southlake Carroll was explosive and efficient, led by a balanced attack that could stretch the field vertically or control the tempo on the ground. The offensive line was steady and well coached, creating time for the quarterback and room for playmakers to thrive. Defensively, the Dragons were aggressive and opportunistic, flying to the football and forcing turnovers in key moments.    Angelo is a polished signal caller who plays with poise, precision, and purpose. Throwing for over 3,900 yards and 40 touchdowns, he was the engine of his team's offense and proved he could consistently deliver in high pressure moments.   What sets Angelo apart is his ability to stretch the field vertically while also being surgical in the short to intermediate game. His release is quick, his ball placement is elite, and he shows great anticipation often throwing his receivers open. Angelo plays with command, processes defenses fast, and rarely forces the ball. With his production and skillset. Angelo is committed to Pitt. Pitt is getting a quarterback ready to compete and push the standard from day one.      [player_tooltip player_id='212425' first='Davis' last='Penn'] is a dynamic, between the tackles runner who finished the 2024 season with 925 yards and 18 touchdowns, showcasing both power and sudden burst. He consistently hits creases at full speed, squaring his shoulders to lower the pads and fall forward for extra yards. His vision allows him to patiently read blocks before exploding through traffic, and he displays impressive balance when defenders attempt to wrap up.   In addition to his downhill effectiveness, Davis flashes creativity in the open field stiff arming would be tacklers and smoothly transitioning to make defenders miss. He's also a reliable pass catching threat out of the backfield, securing check downs with soft hands and promptly getting upfield. While he can improve his pass pro instincts (recognizing blitz pickup cues a bit earlier), his work ethic and film study suggest rapid growth in this area.      Brock is an elite level playmaker on the outside who turned in a monster 2024 season with 1,800 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. A polished wideout and Ohio State commit, Brock combines sharp route-running with explosive athleticism and next level ball skills. He wins at the line with quick feet and physicality, and once in open space, he showcases breakaway speed and the ability to turn short gains into big plays.   His body control and tracking ability make him a deep threat, but he's just as dangerous on underneath routes, using vision and burst to rack up yards after the catch. Brock also shines in contested catch situations, consistently high-pointing the football and making tough grabs look routine.      Blake is a smooth and savvy wideout who brings consistency, toughness, and big-play ability to the field. With offers from schools like Arkansas State, North Texas, Pitt, Tulane, and UTSA, he's firmly on the radar as a high upside receiver at the next level. Blake excels at creating separation with his sharp route-running and has reliable hands in traffic or in space.   What stands out is his ability to adjust to the ball mid air and make contested catches look easy. He's a natural at tracking deep throws and shows great sideline awareness. Blake is also dangerous after the catch slipping tackles, changing direction smoothly, and always looking to pick up extra yards.      Brody is a reliable and efficient wideout who produced over 500 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in the 2024 season, proving to be a consistent threat in the passing game. He plays with great energy and discipline, running crisp routes and understanding how to find soft spots in coverage.   His hands are strong and dependable, and he shows good concentration in traffic. Brody's football awareness allows him to make smart adjustments mid-play, and his willingness to block or make the tough catch over the middle makes him a valuable all around contributor. Currently hold offers from TCU,Oklahoma, Colorado State, Illinois , Kansas.      Parker is a physical and instinctive safety who brings versatility and toughness to the back end of the defense. He plays fast and downhill, showing no hesitation when it's time to fill the alley and deliver a hit. Parker reads the quarterback well, reacts quickly in zone coverage, and takes smart angles in pursuit, making him a reliable last line of defense.   What separates Parker is his ability to play both in the box and over the top. He can roll down to cover the slot, support in run defense, or patrol deep with solid range and ball skills. He communicates well pre-snap and brings leadership traits that elevate the entire secondary.      Luke is a versatile and instinctive defensive back known for his quick reactions and solid ball skills. He demonstrates strong awareness in coverage, anticipating routes and breaking on the football with confidence. Luke's agility and fluid hips allow him to stay tight on receivers, while his tackling fundamentals make him effective in run support and open field situations.   He plays with a competitive edge, often challenging contested catches and showing willingness to engage physically without losing his balance. Luke's leadership and communication help organize the secondary, making him a reliable presence in both man and zone schemes.      Luke is a tenacious and smart defensive back who consistently makes an impact in coverage and run support. With quick feet and sharp instincts, he's able to stay close to receivers and disrupt routes effectively. Luke reads the quarterback well, allowing him to anticipate throws and make timely plays on the ball.   Physically, he's a strong tackler who isn't afraid to mix it up near the line of scrimmage, showing toughness against bigger opponents. His ability to quickly transition from coverage to closing speed makes him a reliable defender in all phases of the game.   As an Army commit, Luke's discipline stands out. He projects as a dependable piece of the secondary with clear potential to grow into a leader and difference-maker at the collegiate level.      William is a true playmaker in the defensive backfield, combining athleticism with exceptional instincts. As a Brown University commit, he stands out for his ability to read offenses quickly and make decisive, game changing plays. William's range and speed allow him to cover ground effectively, whether breaking on the ball in zone coverage or shadowing receivers in man to man.   He possesses strong ball skills and shows a knack for creating turnovers, often stepping in to intercept passes or force fumbles. William plays with confidence and aggression, never hesitating to come up and deliver solid tackles in run support.      Marcus is a high impact linebacker who plays with intensity, sideline to sideline range, and a nose for the football. He's a true playmaker on defense disrupting plays in the backfield, chasing down ball carriers, and consistently finding ways to get involved. Marcus reads keys quickly and closes space in a hurry, whether he's filling gaps against the run or dropping into coverage.      Zac is a relentless edge defender with a quick first step and a motor that doesn't stop. He brings constant pressure off the edge, using speed, leverage, and hand technique to shed blocks and disrupt the pocket. Whether it's collapsing the quarterback or setting the edge in the run game, Zac plays with physicality and purpose.   He shows strong awareness, recognizing screens, bootlegs, and adjusting mid play to make stops. Zac's combination of size, athleticism, and effort makes him a tough matchup for any offensive tackle.      Robbie is a downhill, high-energy linebacker who plays with grit, toughness, and natural instincts. He diagnoses plays quickly and wastes no time attacking gaps, delivering clean, physical tackles at the point of contact. Whether it's stuffing the run, tracking mobile quarterbacks, or covering underneath routes, Robbie brings consistency and effort every snap.      Gavin is a consistent and technically sound kicker with a powerful leg and calm under pressure. As a Duke commit, he brings reliability and range to the special teams unit. Gavin has shown the ability to hit from long distance with confidence, while also handling short and mid-range kicks with precision.   He's smooth in his approach, quick on his plant, and gets excellent lift on the ball traits that translate well to the college level. Gavin also adds value with his kickoffs, consistently driving the ball deep and limiting return opportunities.     William is a physical, downhill linebacker who plays with intensity and a relentless motor. He thrives in the box, using his strength and aggressiveness to shed blockers and make tackles near the line of scrimmage. William reacts quickly to run plays, shoots gaps with purpose, and isn't afraid to deliver a hit.      Will is a young, versatile defensive back who lines up at nickel and already shows flashes of high-level potential. As a Class of 2027 prospect, he plays beyond his years quick, aggressive, and confident in both coverage and run support. Will is twitchy out of his breaks, closes fast on the ball, and isn't afraid to get physical near the line or in space.   What stands out is his football instincts and willingness to compete. He reads plays quickly, reacts with urgency, and brings a gritty edge to the secondary. As he continues to grow physically and gain experience, his ceiling is sky high.      Jackson Okaley is a disruptive force in the trenches who plays with power, leverage, and a relentless motor. As a defensive lineman, he consistently wins at the point of attack using strong hands, quick get off, and great pad level to shed blocks and create havoc in the backfield.   He's a versatile defender who can line up inside or outside, depending on the scheme, and make an impact against both the run and the pass. Jackson holds his ground well against double teams and shows great pursuit when plays break down.      Jake is a relentless defensive lineman who plays with explosive energy and toughness in the trenches. He fires off the ball with quickness and uses his hands well to disengage and create disruption. Jake consistently beats offensive linemen with his leverage, motor, and ability to slip through gaps.   He's a natural penetrator who excels at creating pressure and blowing up run plays before they can develop. Jake may not have the prototypical frame, but his effort, technique, and play strength allow him to hold his own and make plays against bigger opponents.      Luke is a tough, technically sound offensive lineman who brings grit, consistency, and physicality to the trenches. With offers from Arizona State, TCU, and Florida State, he's already caught the attention of top-tier programs thanks to his combination of strength, footwork, and football savvy.   He plays with a strong base and active hands, consistently winning reps with leverage and balance. Whether in pass protection or the run game, Luke stays engaged, finishes blocks, and rarely gets beat at the point of attack. He shows excellent awareness picking up stunts and blitzes and communicates well across the line.      [player_tooltip player_id='1546560' first='Tristan' last='Dare'] is a rugged, high effort offensive lineman who brings a physical edge and blue collar mentality to the line of scrimmage. He plays with a chip on his shoulder firing off the ball with intent and finishing blocks with authority. Tristan thrives in the run game, creating movement up front and consistently driving defenders off their spot.   What separates Tristan is his ability to reset quickly mid-rep. Even if he loses initial leverage, he battles to regain control and rarely stays blocked. He plays with urgency, communicates well, and shows strong understanding of combo blocks and backside assignments.     Southlake Carroll's 2024 season was a statement of dominance, discipline, and tradition. Finishing 15-1 and undefeated in district, the Dragons proved they remain one of Texas' elite programs under Riley Dodge's leadership. With a strong culture, a deep roster, and momentum heading into 2025, Southlake Carroll isn't just reloading they're coming back with unfinished business.