Preseason Scrimmage Notes: Southlake Carroll vs Waxahachie

Few matchups in Texas high school football capture the spotlight like Southlake Carroll and Waxahachie squaring off under the Friday night lights. Carroll, last year's 6A Division II state finalist, returns a veteran squad headlined by national recruits and one of the most dangerous offenses in the state. Waxahachie, coming out of the notoriously tough District 11-6A, counters with a young but hungry roster anchored by a ferocious defensive front and rising skill players eager to prove themselves on a big stage. With both teams boasting future college stars, this clash is more than just an early-season test, it's a showcase of some of the brightest talent in Texas.    Boyd is the type of wide receiver who looks like a future star on Saturdays and possibly Sundays. Standing around 6-foot-2 with a long, lean frame, Boyd combines effortless speed with precise route running. He uses leverage well against defenders, consistently creates separation, and has elite body control when tracking the football. His hands are strong and reliable, and he rarely loses a contested catch. Boyd's length allows him to win over the top, but he is equally effective on shorter routes because of his ability to accelerate and change direction smoothly. Already one of the most highly ranked receivers in the 2026 class nationally, Boyd shows every trait you want in a WR1. Ohio State has a rich tradition of developing elite receivers, and Boyd has the tools to be the next in line.     Renda brings a well rounded game and a polished skill set to Southlake Carroll's offense. He has the arm strength to drive the football to the sideline and push vertically downfield, but what separates him is his timing and anticipation. Renda consistently throws to spots before his receivers make their breaks, showing an advanced feel for the game. His footwork is clean, his mechanics are compact, and he maintains balance when resetting in the pocket. On the move, he remains accurate, whether rolling left or right, which is rare at this level. Although not a run-first quarterback, Renda's athleticism makes him a threat when he decides to tuck and go, often extending plays or picking up crucial first downs.     Gunter has already proven himself as one of the most productive young wide receivers in Texas. At 6-foot-1, he brings a compact, explosive build to the field, and his suddenness in and out of breaks makes him one of the better route runners in the state. Gunter posted 48 receptions for 759 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore, earning 4-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year, which speaks volumes about his ability to perform under the lights. His hands are strong, and he attacks the football away from his body, rarely letting it into his chest. After the catch, he is slippery and dangerous, with quickness that allows him to make defenders miss in space. Holding offers from programs such as Pittsburgh, Tulane, UTSA, and UTEP, Gunter is already on the radar of college coaches nationwide and is only scratching the surface of his potential.     Knowles is a name to remember in Carroll's pipeline of wide receivers. At 6-foot-2 with long arms and a lean frame, he thrives in contested situations and has a natural ability to adjust to the football. His body control is advanced , allowing him to make difficult catches look routine. Knowles uses his length well to beat press coverage, and his stride gives him sneaky speed that makes him a threat down the field. His explosiveness and quickness off the line allows him to be a weapon in the Dragon offense, his upside is enormous.      Dare brings a blend of size, power, and rare athleticism to Carroll's offensive line. With a wide frame and long arms, Dare is tough to beat once he gets his hands on defenders. He plays with excellent leverage and delivers a strong punch that jars opponents at the line of scrimmage. In the run game, Dare shines in zone concepts, using his lateral quickness to reach linebackers at the second level. He moves with surprising fluidity for a lineman of his size and has the versatility to excel against both speed rushers and power defenders.     Wilson is every bit the prototype offensive tackle. His tall frame, long arms, and natural power make him a dominant force in the trenches. In pass protection, Wilson's quick kick slide allows him to gain depth and mirror athletic edge rushers, while his strength enables him to anchor against bull rushers. In the run game, he is a road grader who generates movement at the point of attack and plays with a mean streak. Wilson's length allows him to control defenders before they can get inside his chest, and he finishes plays with authority.     Biggers provides Southlake Carroll with balance in the backfield to complement its explosive passing game. A strong and patient runner, Biggers allows blocks to develop before hitting the crease with burst. He runs with good pad level, consistently finishing forward, and his contact balance makes him difficult to bring down on first contact. Biggers also adds value as a pass-catcher, showing soft hands and the ability to contribute on screens and checkdowns. He flashed speed and quickness and his vision, toughness, and all-around versatility make him a valuable every-down option. Already holding an offer from Texas State, Biggers is on pace to draw increased attention as he continues to mature physically.    The Waxahachie Indians have quietly become one of the most respected programs in District 11-6A, facing off against powerhouses like Duncanville, DeSoto, and Cedar Hill on a yearly basis. The Indians return an athletic, hungry group of prospects determined to climb into the district-title race.     Marsh Jr. is one of the most intriguing young edge defenders in Texas. At 6-foot-5, he has the length and athleticism college coaches covet. Marsh's explosive first step consistently puts offensive tackles on their heels, and his natural bend allows him to dip around the corner despite his height. He uses his long arms to extend, lock out, and disengage from blockers, making him equally effective against the run. Marsh plays with good balance and never appears out of control, which is rare for a prospect with his frame. Already holding offers from LSU, Texas A&M, Missouri, Baylor, and several others, Marsh has established himself as a national-level recruit.     Tolleson is the heartbeat of Waxahachie's defense. A hybrid defender who can line up at safety or linebacker with natural instincts, he diagnoses plays quickly and gets downhill in a hurry. Tolleson is a strong, sure tackler who rarely misses in space, and his sideline-to-sideline range allows him to clean up plays all over the field. In coverage, he moves well enough to handle running backs and tight ends, which adds versatility to his game. With offers already from Arkansas State and Southern Miss, Tolleson has proven himself as a next level talent. His combination of IQ, athleticism, and toughness make him one of Waxahachie's most valuable defenders.     Despite being only a sophomore, Strange already looks like a centerpiece in Waxahachie's offense. With a compact, powerful build, Strange runs with a natural forward lean and excellent balance through contact. He shows patience at the line of scrimmage, waiting for blocks to develop before exploding through the hole. Strange is shifty in the open field and has the ability to string together cuts while maintaining his speed. His lower-body strength allows him to bounce off tacklers and consistently gain extra yards. With an early offer from SMU, Strange has the look of a running back who will draw significant recruiting attention as he continues to develop his speed and explosiveness.     Smith gives Waxahachie an explosive playmaker who can make plays in the slot or out of the backfield at running back. He is a smooth route runner with the ability to separate on slants, posts, and deep routes. Smith has top-end speed that makes him dangerous down the field, and he excels at creating yards after the catch thanks to his quickness and vision. He complements Waxahachie's run game perfectly by providing a vertical threat that can punish defenses who load the box.     On the other side of Waxahachie's defensive line is [player_tooltip player_id='419376' first='Carmelo' last='Clawson'], a stout and physical defender who thrives at the point of attack. Clawson excels at setting the edge against the run, consistently forcing plays back inside and holding ground with leverage and strength. He brings power to the trenches and flashes pass rush ability. His motor runs hot, and he's a tone-setter for the Indians' defensive front. Clawson's versatility and toughness make him a reliable presence who will continue to attract FBS-level interest. He has offers from UNLV, Ole Miss and Colorado State to name a few.

Few matchups in Texas high school football capture the spotlight like Southlake Carroll and Waxahachie squaring off under the Friday night lights. Carroll, last year's 6A Division II state finalist, returns a veteran squad headlined by national recruits and one of the most dangerous offenses in the state. Waxahachie, coming out of the notoriously tough District 11-6A, counters with a young but hungry roster anchored by a ferocious defensive front and rising skill players eager to prove themselves on a big stage. With both teams boasting future college stars, this clash is more than just an early-season test, it's a showcase of some of the brightest talent in Texas.