Dragon Pride Fall 2023

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THE TEAMS THAT BRING RESULTS

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Dona Robinson Group 214.906.7069

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Wynne Moore & Perry Moore

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STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

breakout performances

Regardless of the weather, football fandom in Southlake is its own season. This year’s exceptional Dragon roster boasts more Division I-committed players than any year in school history. With returning stars like Jacob Jordan, Graham Knowles and Dustan Mark, it’s easy to see why expectations are as high as ever.

ASSISTANT

The excitement built behind any team can come down to a few key players and their performances. However, breakout performances that surpass expectations are what make us stand up and take notice as our team reaches new heights. Whether it’s due to graduation, injury or other circumstances, the emergence of new names in vital roles can make all the difference in a championship-caliber season.

Upstart running back Davis Penn is at the top of this year’s list of new names who are elevating expectations. The sophomore has emerged from the shadows and the depth charts to lead the team in rushing, averaging more than 113 yards per game. Teamed up in the backfield with senior James Lehman, the Dragons now boast a two-headed running game. The rushing attack may not make us forget the name Owen Allen anytime soon, but it surely rounds out a team chock full of receiving talent looking to make waves in the state tournament.

In this issue, we also highlight the Emerald Belles, who had a breakout performance of their own as hundreds of alumni made their way back home in celebration of their 60th anniversary on Sept. 1.

Penn steps up

Photo by Adrian Cortes

The Calm Before The Storm:

Photo by Adrian Cortes

Captains Jacob Jordan, Andrew Cunningham, Graham Knowles and Harrison Moore take the field.

ALWAYS in season

ALL-STAR

As Carroll ISD’s official orthopaedic, sports medicine and spinal care provider, All-Star Orthopaedics understands that being here for our community means meeting you where YOU are. Summer can be HOT, but it doesn’t usually stop our athletes from working on their game or families from playing together on the course or in the pool.

For busy families, being met with an injury means getting the help you need as quickly as possible. Our most important message is “Skip the Urgent Care, come straight to All-Star Orthopaedics.” It doesn’t matter if it’s your star student-athlete or senior relative. When you reach out to us first, you can trust that we will work very hard to get you in on the same or next day.

We have made reaching our specialists even easier with our texting feature and new web-based scheduling portal. New and established patients alike can simply visit our website,

AllStarOrtho.com, and find a good time to come in and see our providers. Don’t worry, we have plenty of staff in the office to take your calls and answer your questions. This is just one more way we are working to meet you where you are — on the baseball or football field, on a ski or hiking trip or fixing the light fixture at home on a Sunday afternoon.

On-site imaging and eight orthopaedic specialists on board help make your visit to our location a smooth and swift experience every time. Need physical therapy? We have you covered on site as well.

You can rest easy knowing that you’re in the right hands when you call All-Star Orthopaedics first. Our friendly staff, personalized care, conservative treatment plans and state-of-the-art facilities are just a few reasons why patients refer All-Star to their family and friends over and over again.

(Back L to R) W. Grear Hurt, M.D.; Stephen Timon, M.D.; Thomas Schott, M.D.; and Kevin Honig, M.D. (Front L to R) Brian Straus, M.D.; Michael Hahn, M.D.; Bing Tsay, M.D.; and Mark Greenberg, M.D.

Graham Knowles takes aim at one of his many targets.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

EXPERIENCED OFFENSE REKINDLES AERIAL ASSAULT

Since the day Todd Dodge took the reins of the Carroll football program in 2000, the team’s offensive mindset was transformed. In just a few short years, mentions of the Dragons became synonymous with a dangerous passing attack, a spread formation executed to perfection by strongarmed quarterbacks and sure-handed receivers.

For two decades and counting, the team continues to uphold its reputation, never fully straying from an aerial attack that helped garner five championships between 2002 and 2011. The offensive system, now in its sixth season under Todd’s son Riley Dodge, has seen its share of tweaks. An increased emphasis on the ground game was duly noted by the recordbreaking career of 2023 graduate Owen Allen, who obliterated the school rushing record by compiling 7,600 yards and 120 career TDs.

Fortunately for Riley and company, Owen Allen’s graduation coincides with a deep and talent-rich core of receivers and a quarterback who gained valuable experience after being inserted into the lineup during Carroll’s pressure run through the postseason.

“Offensively, we feel like we have an opportunity to be pretty explosive,” says Caroll coach Riley Dodge, a former Dragons quarterback and national player of the year who took over the program in 2018. “I think we’re definitely going to throw the ball more. I have confidence in our wide receiver group. I have confidence in our quarterback and our offensive line.

“This is one of the deeper receiving corps we’ve had talent-wise. We’ve got so many different weapons on the perimeter and we’ve got to utilize them.”

That talented ensemble starts with senior Jacob Jordan, a varsity performer since his sophomore season who will undoubtedly command the attention of opposing defenses this fall. Jordan led the Dragons in receiving yards (1,225), touchdown receptions (16) and total catches (67) in 2022 and was given preferred walk-on status at Oklahoma after turning down full-ride scholarships at colleges like North Texas and Tulsa.

Jordan’s fellow teammates, as well as his coach, point to the hard work and preparation the wide receiver displays on an everyday basis as a reason for his success. That effort serves as a motivating example for the rest of the team.

“That’s an honor for [Coach Dodge] to say that about me. That’s always what I’ve been about,” Jordan says of his work ethic. “I just love running routes, getting open on the DBs and scoring touchdowns.”

Jordan won’t be alone in threatening to go deep or

reach the end zone. Senior receiver Clayton Wayland — a Stephen F. Austin commit — finished second for Carroll in receiving yards in 2022, catching 35 passes for 603 yards and five scores. Senior Caden Jackson, who converted to receiver last year after playing quarterback in previous seasons, tallied 391 receiving yards on varsity last fall. Riley says Jackson’s knowledge of all the positions and his productivity makes it hard to take him off the field.

Meanwhile, sophomore receiver Brock Boyd is already turning heads with his speed and ability. The younger brother of former Dragons receiver Brady Boyd — currently playing ball at Texas Tech — Brock has begun receiving offers from some Power 5 college programs.

An increased role for junior tight end Jack VanDorselaer is also expected. Seeing some limited action in 2022, the 6-foot5 VanDorselaer has impressed just about everyone he comes across and could make for a difficult cover due to his size and strength. A year of varsity experience gives him that much more confidence as well.

“He’ll be an every-down starter for us,” Riley says. “The biggest thing with him that people don’t realize is that he’s only played two years of organized football. It was still a work in progress last year — learning the game, why we call this, when we call things, what’s my job assignment.

“But he got so many more reps than he did the previous year this past spring, and he did an amazing job.”

VanDorselaer — who has already received several Division-I scholarship offers from programs like Tennessee, Alabama, USC and TCU, to name a few — has no problem doing the dirty work to help create plays while having opportunities to make plays himself.

“I definitely want to be an all-around player,” VanDorselaer says. “I feel like that’s something that a lot of tight ends nowadays, they just want to go out and catch passes, or some of them just block. I feel like… being able to do both of them will add more value to [my game].”

Like a fully-stocked arsenal, Carroll’s offense boasts plenty of quality targets in the passing game. But after graduating last year’s opening day starting quarterback, the normal question would be whether or not a talented distributor is in place to connect with those targets.

Fortunately for the Dragons, they already know the answer to that question.

After then-senior starting quarterback Kaden Anderson went down with a leg injury midway through the regular season, backup Graham Knowles took

All Hands On Deck: (Clockwise From Top Left) Brock Boyd, Jacob Jordan, Clayton Wayland, Jack VanDorselaer, Andrew Cunningham, Harrison Moore and John McLaughlin.

over. Although losing their starter was a huge blow for the Dragons, the bright spot came with Knowles gaining experience under the varsity lights and proving his ability to handle the pressure of big games.

Knowles kept the offense humming, completing 127 of 174 (73%) attempts for 1,864 yards, including 18 touchdowns to just three interceptions. The new signal-caller led Carroll to seven consecutive wins and helped his team advance four rounds into the playoffs.

“Someone told me a long time ago that the most important person in your program is the backup quarterback,” Riley says. “If your [starter] goes down, that guy’s got to take the keys to the car and we’ve got to continue to move.

“He’s a very coachable kid, and he took full advantage of his opportunity. Those games when playing quarterback, and you’re getting snaps when the lights are on and you’ve got bullets flying at you, those [experiences] are invaluable.”

Equally important is the chemistry developed between the quarterback and his receivers. The fact that Knowles and his offensive teammates played together with him as a starter for half of last season means the process of building chemistry has long since begun. The players say they understand how to play together and make things happen, as well as what to expect from one another. There’s no need to use early-season games this fall to figure out how they’ll perform in game-time situations.

“Everyone’s got game experience,” says Knowles (67, 220), who has already committed to play at Georgia Tech. “They’ve got game experience with me, and obviously we’ve practiced day in and day out as hard as we can go.

“Definitely the confidence is there. We all know each other very well, and I feel comfortable throwing to all of them. I think it’s going to be a fun year for them, and hopefully, we can break a couple of records.”

While some new passing and receiving records could be set, the running back position has a tough act to follow, but senior James Lehman is no stranger to competition. He returns after compiling 516 yards and six touchdowns in 2022 and a total of 892 yards rushing the last two seasons combined.

“I’ve been sitting behind Owen for three years now, so I’ve learned from one of the best to ever come out of here,” Lehman says. “It’s been a blessing, and I’m finally getting my turn.

“We have different play styles. I’ve learned from him, I know how he approached the game. I’m just going to take from what I’ve learned and put my own spin on it.”

Lehman has also proved to be a reliable receiver, gaining 292 yards from passes caught over the past two years and serving as another dangerous target for Knowles.

But in addition to losing their all-time leading rusher, the Dragons offense was forced to shift their plans again after the UIL ruled junior Riley Wormley, running back transfer from Colleyville Heritage, was ineligible to compete in varsity sports this season. The UIL cited a lack of evidence that the transfer came to Carroll for more than just athletic reasons, although Wormley’s family attests the move was primarily for academic reasons.

Through it all, the emergence of running back Davis Penn has been a welcome sign for the team. Through his first three games, the sophomore has done his

Waiting in the wings behind Carroll rushing record-holder Owen Allen, Lehman racked up 516 yards and six rushing TDs last year. He’s also a reliable passing target with 292 yards and four TDs receiving the past two seasons combined. Through three games, Lehman has accounted for 212 total yards and four TDs.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound, four-star recruit is listed as the 18th-ranked pocket passer in the country according to ESPN. The Georgia Tech commit had 1,851 yards passing and 18 TDs after taking the reins mid-season as a junior last year. Knowles is off to an impressive start in his first two games, connecting on 536 yards passing and six TDs.

Jackson made a seamless transition from quarterback to receiver in his junior year, catching 41 passes for 391 yards in 2022. His 114 yards and a TD in the first two games this fall shows he won’t be overlooked among an already stacked receiving corps.

Penn was given limited varsity action as a freshman last year but breaks out this fall with an impressive running game. Penn has averaged 113 yards rushing per game and scored a team-leading four TDs.

The leading returning 6A receiver in DFW, Jordan compiled 1,225 yards, 16 TDs and a team-high 67 passes as a junior last year. Despite being the focal point of most defenses, he has caught 13 passes for 227 yards and three TDs to lead all Dragon receivers yet again this season.

The younger brother of former standout receiver Brady Boyd, Brock caught just two passes as a freshman last season. After much work in the offseason, the 6-foot-2, 170-pound wideout’s speed and skills have already caught the attention of major programs in Nebraska, Oklahoma and TCU. Expect the sophomore to be another major weapon this season.

RB Davis Penn Sophomore

CAPTAIN

WR Caden Jackson Senior

CAPTAIN

WR Jacob Jordan Senior

WR Brock Boyd Sophomore

QB Graham Knowles Senior

RB James Lehman Senior

Photo s by Stewart Johnson

Clayton Wayland hopes to return quickly after starting off the season with an injury. In his AllDistrict junior season, he caught 39 passes for 657 yards and five scores. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, the Stephen F. Austin commit has the size to give defensive fits and the proven talent to keep teams honest in their coverages.

share to fill the void, carrying the ball for 341 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns.

All signs show Lehman and Penn will serve as a one-two punch for the ground game. Penn saw the field for varsity competition late last season and also had a strong spring.

An experienced offensive line should help give Carroll’s running backs, as well as the passing game, a chance to shine. Led by three-year starter Andrew Cunningham, a senior who moved from tackle to center this season, Riley expects the line to be able to man up on nose tackles without needing additional help due to the unit’s experience and abilities.

“From an O-Line perspective, we’re a lot more athletic this year,” says Cunningham, who Riley calls the quarterback of the offensive line. “We’re not so big. I think it’s going to show tremendously in the run game.

“The chemistry’s there, and we’re going to be able to make audibles on the run. It’s just going to come second nature to us.”

Along with Cunningham, who’s committed to playing college ball at Charlotte, senior Harrison Moore made the switch from tight end to offensive tackle. Riley says Moore was unselfish about the switch, willing to do it for the good of the team, but the move could also give him more opportunities when he sets foot at Vanderbilt next fall.

Shifting positions and roles just seems par for the course for several Carroll athletes this season, but players and coaches say that the changes should only make the Dragons offense better. Having to make adjustments due to adversity — such as losing the quarterback last year and losing the services of an incoming running back this year — has only served to make the players tougher and more ready to step up and accept new challenges. It’s a lesson Carroll learned as it continued to compete to the very end last year, and the Dragons’ quarterback says that lesson will be carried with them throughout the 2023 schedule.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Knowles says. “We took our punches, we rolled with it and we kept getting back up, which is the key. As long as we keep getting back up, I don’t think anyone can stop us.”

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WR Clayton Wayland Senior

VanDorselaer caught just four balls splitting time at the position last year, but don’t let those numbers fool you. Standing at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, JVD already holds more than 20 D1 offers and is now considered by many to be the top tight end in the state.

Starting every game since the beginning of his sophomore year, Cunningham (6-foot-3, 285 pounds) brings a wealth of experience to the trenches. The consistent All-District lineman shifts from tackle to center, which Dodge believes is more of a natural fit for the veteran. Cunningham has already accepted an offer to play at Charlotte.

New to the varsity lineup, the 6-foot-5 guard has shown his athleticism, registering a time of 4.29 in the pro agility category — a record for a Carroll offensive lineman. He’s also tops in O-Line standings for his broad jump. The senior has garnered several college offers and should have an impact on the Dragons this season.

Serving as the sixth lineman last year, Wilson has bulked up to 6-foot-4, 265 pounds and is ready for extended time this fall. He lifted a personal best 290 in the power clean — third best in Carroll’s records — and bench pressed a fifth-best weight of 325. Wilson also wrestles for the Dragons during the offseason.

Last year’s primary tight end, Moore split time on his way to his second First Team All-District season. The versatile 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior has packed on some size as he moves to the offensive line. After receiving more than 20 offers to play at the next level, Moore has chosen to take his skills and smarts to Vanderbilt.

McLaughlin slides over to guard after playing center last year before injuring his knee early in the season.

The 6-foot, 275-pound lineman, who also serves as the team’s long snapper, displays strength on the line.

The senior set the school’s bench press record this season with a personal best of 355 pounds.

LT Trent Wilson Junior

C Andrew Cunningham Senior

LG Ben Karlsson Senior

RT Harrison Moore Senior

CAPTAIN

RG John McLaughlin Senior

TE Jack VanDorselaer Junior

CAPTAIN

ALL-DISTRICT SINCE 2006

As a household name for over 18 years, Dragon Pride magazine has covered Riley Dodge’s first drop backs, Reed Brown’s four-minute miles and all of Camryn Tade’s 2,200 career points. For those keeping score, that’s 42 issues and more than 2,500 pages catering to the most dedicated high school fan base in the country. Hand off your marketing needs, and get ready to score!

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Dustan Mark celebrates another of his team-leading sacks against Flower Mound Marcus.

BY ZACH WARNER | PHOTOS BY ADRIAN CORTES

BONDED IN CHEMISTRY

DEFENSE CELEBRATES A LONG HISTORY OF TEAMWORK

Chemistry and consistency are often believed to be the key to winning championships. The right chemistry can help a team capture a title, while the consistency of keeping those same players in place is important in turning a single championship into a dynasty.

The Carroll football program knows a thing or two about dynasties, winning three 3A state titles in a sixyear span (1988-1993) and four 5A state triumphs in a five-year span beginning nearly a decade later (2002-2006). But how often do entire teams stay together for multiple years to build chemistry and consistency at the pro and college levels, let alone in high school?

For the Dragons defense, fall 2018 at Dawson Middle School was the beginning of a long journey. Little did these young athletes know at the time that they’d be starting together on varsity as seniors five years later.

In fact, 10 of the Dragons’ 11 defensive starters this season began playing together as seventh graders at Dawson Middle School and now begin their sixth season together this fall.

“This is a very connected group,” says Aaron Scherp, senior outside linebacker and a team captain who led Carroll with 100 tackles in 2022. “We’ve been playing together since seventh [grade]... and we’ve been close friends. It’s a closely-knit group.

“The chemistry’s there. The trust is there. We’re all just really good friends who want to play some football.”

These Dragons hope their six-year history of teamwork and determination helps them in their collective goal of bringing home a ninth state title.

Six seasons of talented athletes playing together can accomplish great things. Just look back in sports history to a Pittsburgh Steelers powerhouse that won four Super Bowls in six years in the 1970s. Those teams were bolstered by having several of the same key players during that run, including 10 members who were future Hall of Famers. Maintaining chemistry and consistency can send athletic programs to the proverbial moon.

The power to launch this season’s mission starts up front with the rocket speed of senior defensive end Dustan Mark. Named the Defensive Player of the Year in District 4-6A last season, Mark led the Carroll defense with 13.5 sacks, 26 hurries and caused two fum -

bles. The Princeton commit was also second to Scherp in total tackles (85) and was second in tackles for loss (11).

“That guy’s a physical specimen,” says Dragons quarterback Graham Knowles, who calls Mark “Dustan the Sack Machine.” “He’ll out-lift anybody. He’ll outrun anybody. I remember when he won the 800-meter in track.

“I’m stuck running away from that guy all practice, so I’m sure other quarterbacks are going to have a hard time.”

Mark anchors an experienced and battle-tested defensive line. Fellow senior defensive end Wyatt Duffy saw plenty of action in the D-Line rotation as a varsity newcomer last season, registering four sacks, 17 hurries, recovering a fumble and causing three. Senior defensive tackle Zac Scarborough was a weapon of size and strength as a first-year starter, compiling 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, 11 hurries and even grabbing an interception.

“We’re athletic. We might not be the biggest [defense], but we are strong,” says Scarborough, mentioning the various all-time Carroll weightlifting records owned by members of the Dragons’ current defensive unit. “Year after year, we’ve been able to go out and compete against the highest level.

“We go against arguably the best offense in the state every day [in practice], so we’ve got to be good. Iron sharpens iron, and we’ve become an elite unit.”

Southlake Carroll has seen its share of elite linebacking talent over the years, and Scherp is no exception. With five sacks and a pick to go with last season’s tackling numbers, Scherp intends to continue leading the way for the middle section of the defense. Serving alongside his good friend and fellow senior Bridger Jense, this year’s middle linebacker, the two began their defensive duties together in seventh grade.

Scherp wants the linebacking unit to embody the hustle and drive that he says can be felt throughout the whole of this year’s Dragon defense.

“I think what defines us is our effort,” Scherp says. “We always play at 110%. If you pull up any random play of any random game, you’ll see 11 hats to the ball every time.

“The running back’s just getting smashed. If we might miss, he’s getting smashed by three other guys right away. I think that’s what defines our defense.

Rough And Tumble:

(Clockwise From Top Left) Eric Garza, Aaron Scherp, Carter High, Wyatt Duffy and Zac Scarborough

There’s not a specific group that’s better than the other, but everyone working together is what we need to perform at our highest level.”

Fast and dialed-in, Carroll’s defensive backs feature some familiar faces who have earned their stripes. Though some continue playing at their normal spot, others are moving and adjusting to new roles because it should only make the team better.

Senior safeties Carter High and Eric Garza continue at their positions and stabilize the secondary. But senior Sam Fuller slides over from safety to start at cornerback, while senior Trey Ferri — who caught 19 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 — converts from wide receiver to corner as well. Senior Zack Englehardt could split time between defensive back and strong side linebacker.

Shifting to different spots is nothing new for Carroll’s athletes, who saw key players injured on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball last season. But the team learned from the challenges and looks to always be ready to step in when needed.

“Our whole defense learned that ‘next man up’ mentality is a real thing,” says High, who recorded 56 tackles and grabbed two interceptions last season. “People go down. It’s part of the game, and we hate to see it. But you have to fill holes wherever the holes are.

“The biggest thing we learned is that we can fight. On our side of the ball, it’s just us. There’s 11 of us on the field and we’re going against that team, and we will win. I think we learned that we have more grit than we think we do and that we’re stronger than we think we are.”

Carroll head coach Riley Dodge hopes the strength the team gained from overcoming adversity, as well as spending extended time under the varsity lights, will pay off in the form of confident play this fall.

“[Some of the] guys that are coming back are now three-year starters,” Dodge says. “For Dustan [Mark], he’s been on varsity for four years… and we have a lot of senior class guys that are coming back that have been in this field house for three or four years now.”

Defensive players are also coming back with a chip on their shoulder after the way last season’s playoff run ended. For a team that gave up just 13.2 points per game on average, falling 45-21 to Denton Guyer in the 6A Region I quarterfinal was a bitter pill to swallow for a 13-1 season end. It was the most points the defense gave up in a single game all season.

“I still think about that game to this day,” Mark says. “We’re learning from our mistakes. We had a few mistakes in that game, and we’ve corrected it this offseason for sure.”

Mark said he continues to see great resolve in this year’s defensive unit.

“We can bend, but we’ll just never break,” he says. “We may give up a play, but we’ll be right back on the next drive.”

That type of resilience is something Dodge is accustomed to seeing from his players. But a win-now mentality is something he’s also seeing develop. He’s hoping his senior-heavy defense in its sixth season together will provide that extra spark needed to ignite its team’s engines for a long journey to the outer reaches of the Texas high school playoffs.

“We’ve got some urgency about us,” he says. “That’s a confident group that’s played a lot of football and has a little swagger about them. I’m pretty excited to get a chance to watch these guys fly around.”

With limited playing time last year, Manero (6-foot4, 230) logged 13 tackles in 2022. Now starting, the senior already has a sack and seven pressures through the first two contests of 2023. Also a quality Carroll lacrosse player, Manero hopes to play football at West Point, where his two older brothers continue their lacrosse careers.

The former District Newcomer of the Year and team-leading tackler with 100, Scherp returns to spearhead the defense this season. The Davidson College commit’s personal best time of 4.19 in the pro agility event shows his ability to cover ground, as do his five sacks, one interception and a caused fumble in 2022.

With limited time last year, Jense recorded just 19 tackles for the season behind starting middle linebacker Nigel Fodor. But the senior has started 2023 with a bang, notching 18 tackles in his first two games to lead the team. Jense also recorded a hurry and caused a fumble during that stretch.

Scarborough impressed last year with 60 tackles and two sacks on his way to First Team All-District status. At 245 pounds, the senior squatted secondbest in school history at 515 and lifted 265 in the power clean. Returning to a hefty defensive line, Scarborough had three pressures and a tackle for a loss in his first two games this season.

The reigning District 4-6A Defensive Player of the Year returns after compiling 85 tackles and a team-leading 13.5 sacks in 2022. Mark (6-foot-3, 235 pounds) also has good speed, recording a 4.7-second 40-yard dash. The Princeton commit had 12 tackles, three sacks, eight hurries and caused two fumbles in the first two games of the season.

Duffy returns as the No. 2 sack man after having notched four of them, as well as 18 pressures as a junior. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, he’s tough as nails and can create havoc in the backfield, causing three fumbles and recovering one in 2022. Duffy had 12 tackles and three hurries through the first two contests this fall.

DT Julian Manero Senior

DT Zac Scarborough Senior

LB Aaron Scherp Senior

LB Bridger Jense Senior

DE Wyatt Duffy Senior

DE Dustan Mark Senior

Photo

s by Stewart Johnson

CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Brody, Kathy, Jesse, Garrett and Averi Hull

Brody, Kathy, Jesse and Garrett Hull (Not Pictured: Averi Hull)

Playing safety last year, Fuller made the switch to corner this season and will bring his 400-meter track speed to the position. An anchorman in the 4x400 relay, Fuller has also shown his strength in the weight room and on the field, notching eight tackles in early action this season.

Last season, Engelhardt recorded 42 tackles, two hurries, an interception, a pass defended and caused a fumble. While he missed the season’s opener, Englehardt made up for it by recording seven tackles in Game Two — one for a loss. The senior’s 285 bench press is one of Carroll’s top lifts for a non-lineman.

High rose to the occasion last fall with 56 tackles and two interceptions on his way to an All-District season as a junior. As the team’s leading tackler from the secondary, High’s experience is vital to a new group of defensive backs emerging to fill the void after Logan Anderson and Logan Lewandowski graduated.

Having caught 19 passes for 221 yards and three TDs last season, Ferri came over to the defensive side to pick off a pass (returning it 27 yards) and defend against another in his first two games of 2023. The sturdy senior posted a 4.6 in the 40 and lifted 300 pounds in the bench press.

At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, the senior captain makes offenses think twice before advancing towards his mix of strength and mobility. He’s set a school power clean record by lifting 300 pounds while posting a time of 4.13 seconds in the pro agility event. He is second on the team in total tackles with 14 through two games this fall.

With limited action behind star kicker and Texas A&M commit Tyler White, Lemmermann completed all six of his PAT attempts last year. After an impressive list of summer showcases, the 6-foot-2 TCU commit has emerged as one of the topranked kickers in the country. Through the first two games this fall, the senior was perfect on 14 PATs.

CB Sam Fuller Senior

LB Zack Engelhardt Senior

S Carter High Senior

CB Trey Ferri Senior

S Eric Garza Senior CAPTAIN

K Kyle Lemmermann Senior

for the entire family. Bringing our friends and neighbors, of all ages, the exceptional care they deserve.

That’s community and why so many people Trust Methodist.

That’s community and why so many people Trust Methodist.

Meet our providers

Family medicine physicians Lisa Maehara, DO, and Mariah Burnell, DO, bring expertise and focus on primary care to our Southlake community. Dr. Maehara specializes in helping patients manage chronic conditions and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, while Dr. Burnell has a special interest in obesity and weight management and is currently pursuing board certification in obesity medicine.

Meet Lisa Maehara, DO

Our newest neighbor and physician, Lisa Maehara, DO, has a clinical focus on primary care and preventive care for the entire family and specializes in helping patients manage chronic conditions. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, she joins us in Southlake ready to provide care in the same community she now calls home. Welcome, Dr. Maehara!

Available for same day appointments and virtual visits. For more information call 682-267-5409

For more information

Methodist Family Health Center is owned and operated by MedHealth/ Methodist Medical Group and staffed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group. The physicians and staff who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affliated hospitals.

Methodist Family Health Center is owned and operated by MedHealth/ Methodist Medical Group and sta ed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group. The physicians and sta who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its a liated hospitals.

Mariah Burnell, DO

Lisa Maehara, DO

ONCE a Belle ALWAYS a Belle

BY CASSIDY REICH | WITH PHOTOS BY ADRIAN CORTES

Southlake’s renowned drill team celebrates 60th anniversary

Since 1963, the Emerald Belles have been a symbol of Dragon greatness, from competing on nationally televised talent shows to performing for professional league’s halftime shows. By every account, the Belles didn’t just inspire excellence – they cultivated it.

Celebrating 60 years of high-kicking pageantry on Sept. 1 at Dragon Stadium, nearly 200 alums and 76 current members performed a grand halftime show to songs like “Tonight’s Gonna Be A Good Night,” “We Are Family” and “Last Dance.”

Where It All Started

Before there were drill teams, there were pep squads. In the 1920s, over 150 high schools throughout Texas and the Southwest had squads that ranged from 10 to 180 members. Yet in 1929, Gussie Nell Davis of Greenville, Texas, forever changed the concept of pep squads by envisioning a precision dance group performing alongside the band. It was then that the modern drill team was born.

Southlake Carroll took its first steps toward drill team history in 1963 when the Emerald Belles were established. According to Dina Mathews, a member of the original charter, establishing a drill team enabled more girls to participate in Friday night football games and school-spirited activities. They were quickly accepted, receiving overwhelming support and praise from both the stadium’s home side and opposing teams for their precise and eye-catching routines.

What began as a small group of 26 girls wearing their mother’s hand-sewn uniforms while performing to vinyl records burgeoned into a nationally-acclaimed group of 70-100 members following in their bootsteps. Dina likened the phenomenon to watching a child grow up.

Building The Tradition

Over the past six decades, there have been about seven Southlake Carroll drill team directors. The longest-tenured and current Emerald Belles director, Melissa Page, has been with the program since 1997, culminating more time with the team than the previous six directors combined.

Under her supervision, the Emerald Belles performed for the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises, Fiesta Texas and Disney World. They also became the only high school drill team to perform a halftime show for the Dallas Mavericks – not once, but three times. Last

but not least, the team made it to the quarterfinals of “America’s Got Talent” and appeared on the “Kelly Clarkson Show” shortly thereafter.

The limelight of national television may have given the Belles a new level of exposure, yet their culture has been steadfast since the beginning. Many alums and current members describe a prolific connection rooted in tradition, tenacity and dependability, often attributing their personal success to the fortitude that was instilled at a young age.

“It gave me groundwork for myself to have confidence and to be a stronger person for the rest of my life,” Dina says.

Although the hats, hairstyles, boots and uniforms may have changed, the pride associated with the uniform has always remained. More than 550 current and former Belles from 13 states made their way home to commemorate six generations of sisterhood, proving their combined legacy is more than a show – it’s decades of shared community.

Some may be sisters or mothers, others may be friends or guardians, but more often than not, when the Belles look into the audience, familiar faces are smiling back. In fact, some mother-daughter duos were in attendance, such as Allison Newbury-Odette and Avery Odette, as well as Marion Fielder-Compton and daughters Annette Compton-Marler and Dianna ComptonMoore.

With their classes collectively ranging from 1964 to 2024, these ladies are testaments to the generational evolution of Emerald Belles. Though all Belles may not be blood relatives, they are all still family.

More Than A Drill Team

As a result of 1,500 dedicated dancers and Melissa’s 27 years of directorship, the Emerald Belles have fostered a culture that reaches far beyond the stadium and into the community.

Melissa has taught each Belle to inspire change and lead by example, coining the motto “Be Kind, Be A Belle” in 2018 as a reminder of what the team represents – authenticity.

“The Emerald Belles are more than just dancing on a football field or a contest,” Melissa says. “It’s being aware of how we treat each other.”

In 2023 alone, the Belles committed 3,400 hours of community service locally while continuing to utilize social media platforms to spread their message of kindness and compassion.

As one chapter ends and another begins, the Emerald Belles continue to demonstrate that they aren’t just part of the community – they’re stewards of the community, creating positive reform and paying it forward from one generation to the next.

Your Orthopedic Sports Expert

in the Metroplex.

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Dr. Sara Greer & Family

well REPRESENTED

KENNEDIE MILLICAN, AVERY FLEMING AND HAILEY FLAMMER

CHEER CO-CAPTAINS

Kennedie Millican, Avery Fleming and Hailey Flammer have dedicated years of experience to their craft, both on and off the mat. Now they’re looking forward to tumbling through the end zone in support of our Dragons this fall. After taking home the National Cheerleaders Association championship last year, the trio is working to keep up that winning streak with hard work, encouragement and loads of fun. Whether they’re waving pompoms or chanting for their team, these cheerleaders stand united in support of one another.

Success is more than merely practice and perseverance for these Dragons – it’s building one another’s character, confidence and strength to be the best they can be. As Dragon Football takes to the field this fall, these performers and supporters are counting on tight-knit bonds and top-notch routines to carry them through to 2024 and beyond.

Photos by Stewart Johnson

SOPHIE NOLEN ... crew

CREW MEMBER

Now embarking on her second year as a member, Sophie Nolen joined Dragon CREW because of their vibrant school pride, improvisation and ability to energize a crowd. Alongside her peers, Sophie is preparing new outfits, props, cheers and routines to pump up Dragon fans in the stands. While aiming to protect the tradition, inspire other kids, foster friendships and have fun, Sophie is setting the stage for a year to remember.

Brian Edwards , 817-300-0658

“I love supporting the Dragons — and as a father of two boys who play sports, I see it as a great way to invest in the futures of our local youth.”

Nancy Dennis

817-992-7889

“Carroll Senior High School football is a perennial Texas powerhouse, with eight state championships spanning four decades. Dragon football is legendary in Texas, just as Crimson Tide football is in Alabama.”

Kim Bedwell

817-229-9445

“I’m a proud mom of two Carroll Dragons, class of 2022 and 2025. Both my kids have gone to Carroll ISD schools from kindergarten through high school, and I have loved showing my support through volunteering.”

Robert Tyson, 817-980-0683

Melissa Tyson, 214-449-7020

“This is Dragon Nation, and we take great pride in being a part of this amazing community where we live, work and worship. Go Dragons!”

The home-team advantage.

Jessica Smith

214-908-4724

“Dragon pride starts young and carries past graduation! I have enjoyed cheering on Dragon athletes and musicians for over 20 years.”

Eric Hacker

972-365-1677

“Southlake is where our heart is, and as Dragons, we cherish our involvement in the community. Our family is deeply committed to volunteering in schools and supporting youth sports. We feel privileged to assist fellow Dragon families with their real estate endeavors.”

In Southlake, everyone’s a Dragon. It can be your home, too — and these are the agents who can make it happen.

ENRIQUE VEZGA ... dragon band

well REPRESENTED

DRAGON BAND PRESIDENT

From percussionist to president, Enrique Vezga is making his mark on Dragon Marching Band history. As a music lover and instrumentalist since the fifth grade, Enrique is dedicated to progressing his skillset and supporting the Dragon Band. After becoming state finalists in 2021, Enrique is confident the band will go even further this year thanks to countless competitive rehearsals and building confidence as musicians, performers and teammates. Above all, he trusts that his peers will continue to carry those connections well beyond marching band.

HANNAH GANIEAR ... emerald belles

EMERALD BELLES CAPTAIN

As a young girl, Hannah Ganiear was introduced to dance by her two Emerald Belle babysitters. Encouraged by their shared passion for Friday night halftime shows, Hannah was determined to become a Belle. Now in her senior year, she has been a part of the Emerald Belle legacy for all four years of high school and is leading her family of 76 girls to conquer nationals and carry on the squad’s long-held traditions. Yet what Hannah treasures most aren’t the competitions won but the lifelong friendships made along the way.

MARANDA FEY & MORGAN FRAZIER

REPRESENTED ... color guard

COLOR GUARD CO-CAPTAINS

Co-captains Maranda Fey and Morgan Frazier joined color guard for the same reason – they were both inspired by a friend. After years of long practices, technical routines and dedicated performances, Maranda and Morgan gained the confidence to lead the color guard through games and competitions with strength, precision and elegance. After winning 15th place out of roughly 145 teams at last year’s international competition, these co-captains are ready to support their 27 fellow sisters and bring the group even closer as they rise to meet new challenges.

Partners: Luis & Lorena Estoga and Jeremy Gilbert (Southlake Carroll Class of ’98 Alumni)

senior TRIBUTES

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL SENIOR EMERALD BELLES

Front Row: Isabelle Gavin, Lilly Rose Gatlin, Hannah Ganiear, Maia Karmis, Whitney Leins

Second Row: Andrea Aguilar Villalobos, Charlotte Sweeney, Yuki Pilon, Molly Stuart, Spencer Massey, Hannah Johnson

Third Row: Ansley Schleif, Sarah Ladd, Avery Odette, Daisy Doddridge, Landry Clark, Kendall Clerc, Landry Ayala

Fourth Row: Makenzie Tyrrell, Mar Alonso Pagan, Allye Armstrong, McKinley Lesczynski, Lillian Morgan, Lacy Davis, Gabrielle Langston, Ella Connelly

Photos by BluDoor Studios

CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2024!

Makenzie Tyrrell

Hannah Ganiear (Captain) Lilly Rose Gatlin (Sr. Lieutenant)

Isabelle Gavin (Sr. Lieutenant)

Maia Karmis (Sr. Lieutenant)

Landry Clark

Allye Armstrong Landry Ayala

Andrea Aguilar Villalobos

Lacy Davis

Daisy Doddridge

Hannah Johnson

Lillian Morgan

Whitney Leins (Sr. Lieutenant)

Kendall Clerc

Gabrielle Langston

Yuki Pilon

Ansley Schleif

Sarah Ladd

McKinley Lesczynski

Mar Alonso Pagan

Ella Connelly

Spencer Massey

Avery Odette

Molly Stuart Charlotte Sweeney

Avery Fleming (Co-Captain)

Bella Khazzam Brooke Barth

Caroline MacLeod Cassy Link

Kennedie Millican (Co-Captain)

Kennedy White Macy Hadley

Maren Staley Olivia Bradford

Grace Lieck Honorary Cheerleader

Hailey Flammer (Co-Captain)

Katelyn St. Charles

Katherine Selinger

Griffen Joyner

Tiffany Thomas

Faith Wurster Honorary Cheerleader

senior TRIBUTES

Drum Majors: Carson Forkner, Fé Lau, Charissa Wang, Katelyn Wang

Band Members: Andrea Aguilar Villalobos, Rylie Allen, Rowan Asgaonkar, Michael Blumberg, Braden Callaway, Elizabeth Dean, Anshul Dharkar, Sudhithi Durusoju, Samuel Everett, Dhruvi Gari, Alexandria Guinn, Jonathan Heidebrecht, Safiy Islam, Raiden Kawai, Malika Kumbhat, Catalina Lanuza, Evan Mitchell, Michelle Page, Nathaniel Pilgrim, Bates Pulliam, Bhavna Reddy, Anishka Sharma, Ryan Silk, Nick Stuart, Jake Tessnow, Khang To, Cole Ungar, Vanessa Vazhappilly, Enrique Vezga, Aleeza Virani, My-Tien Rachel Vu, David Zachariah

Color Guard: Natalie Briggs, Macy Bush, Joslyn Faulkner, Maranda Fey, Morgan Frazier, McKenzee Lance, Elisabeth O’Callaghan, Cristina Schulz

CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2024!

2021 UIL STATE MARCHING COMPETITION FINALIST

2021 SUDLER SHIELD RECIPIENT

2021 BOA ST. LOUIS SUPER REGIONAL FINALIST

2022 BOA GRAND NATIONALS FINALIST

CARROLL DRAGON BAND SENIORS

BluDoor Studios

TIFFANY THOMAS

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

Go confidently toward your dreams, live the life you have imagined, and keep making us proud. Love you.

— Dad, Mom and Taylor

YINGQI ZHU

CHINESE CLUB PRESIDENT

CARROLL SPEECH & DEBATE TEAM

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

FORT WORTH YOUTH ORCHESTRA CELLIST EQUESTRIAN TUTOR

You have made our whole family so proud!

We admire your aspirations and will be there to support you on your journey!

God Speed!

Love, Mom, Dad and Bella

KENNEDIE MILLICAN VARSITY CHEER (CO-CAPTAIN)

Enjoy your senior year — make memories to last a lifetime!

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” — Dr. Seuss

SPENCER GILLETT

DRAGON FOOTBALL & SOCCER

Mama tried.

SCV good to go, sir. Ready to roll out!

CAROLINE MACLEOD

DRAGON CHEER

We are so proud of you and love you so much!

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13 2024

CONGRATS VARSITY FOOTBALL SENIORS!

2024

Meet The Talent Behind Dragon Football’s Live Broadcasts

Even though they were on different sides of Dragon Stadium, both Robert Clayton and Chris Blake know what it’s like to be under the Friday night lights. As a former offensive guard for the Dragons back in the late 1990s, Robert stood between the quarterback and opposing defenses. Chris, a broadcast journalism alum from TCU, got an early start in the press box as an intern reacting to the games during earlier Dragon radio broadcasts. This fall, both sports vets will find themselves in the booth together as they lead the charge for the Carroll Athletic Booster Club’s (CABC) constantly improving streaming broadcasts of Dragon Football.

CHRIS: I GREW UP IN AND AROUND… sports my entire life. My dad is John Blake, [an executive vice president] with the Texas Rangers, so sports have been in my blood from the beginning. When I went to college at TCU, I worked as a studio host for Carroll Football during the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons. After I graduated, I worked in digital media for the MLB, the New York Yankees and NBC5 before going into podcasting for KRLD. Sports play-by-plays wer always my main goal, so it’s nice to see everything come full circle.

ROBERT: WHEN I WAS AT CARROLL, I WAS A… three-year starter on varsity before going on to play at [University of Texas at El Paso], where I became a four-year letterman, a three-year starter and won a conference championship. After I played professionally with the Austin Wranglers for a year, I decided to hang it up and move on with my life. While I don’t play anymore, I’m still heavily involved in Carroll sports as vice chairman of the Carroll Athletic Hall of Honor, co-chairman of the Dragon Classic and board member of the Dragon Touchdown Club.

CHRIS: IN THE PAST, THE CARROLL ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB… was livestreaming games through the Dragon Sports Network app. For the past three years, an existing audio broadcast was simply simulcast over the video. This year’s broadcasts will be considerably improved because they will be integrating a live audio play-by-play and analysis alongside the video. It will be more of a television-style broadcast unlike anything Dragon fans have experienced before.

ROBERT: THIS BROADCASTING OPPORTUNITY OPENED UP BECAUSE… I got a phone call saying Chris was going to be part of the new setup.

CABC asked if I wanted to be part of this as well, and I jumped at the shot. I think it’s great just to be involved in the game, period.

CHRIS: MY JOB IS TO… let the game come to us and get the facts right of what’s happening on the field. People will be able to see what’s going on, so my job is to provide a live play-by-play and identify players on the field — whoever makes a good block, whoever makes a catch, whoever breaks a pass. I’m also expected to help set up Robert so he can make his points — lead him into thoughts we talked about pre-game or relay some of his experiences playing for Carroll.

ROBERT: WHAT I MOSTLY BRING TO THE BROADCAST IS… what it’s like to be a Carroll Dragon. All of these kids are young athletes with state championship dreams. That’s a lot of pressure. With being a part of the community and after having gone through the tradition of Southlake, I can deliver a perspective that’s unique to both the fans and the parents listening.

ROBERT: I’M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT… bringing a professional-level broadcast into the living room of the viewer, wherever they might be. That’s really what we’re shooting for and focusing on. We’ve got a great team coming up that’ll hopefully take us to a championship season and give us plenty of engaging commentary to work with.

CHRIS: WE’RE WORKING WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE… pros at this. We’ve got a great production crew, the right people are all lined up and the broadcasts are going to look really good. Sounding good will be up to us. I’m just excited for football season.

FIVE MINUTES with ...

ROBERT CLAYTON & CHRIS BLAKE

Photo by Stewart Johnson

DRAGON NATION ,23 ,23

DRAGON NATION ,23 ,23

DRAGON NATION ,23 ,23

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

QUINN EWERS | QB (’21)

The former No. 1 nationally ranked quarterback threw for 6,500 yards and 73 touchdowns as a Dragon before leaving early for Ohio State in 2021. He then transferred to the University of Texas, where he threw for 2,100 yards and 15 TDs and was named Honorable Mention Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year. He enters his sophomore season as a Top 5 Heisman contender under the tutelage of head coach Steve Sarkisian.

BRADY BOYD | WR (’20)

A former All-State selection, Boyd caught 71 balls for 1,160 yards and 18 TDs during his senior year with the Dragons. After a year at Minnesota, Boyd is now entering his junior season at Texas Tech, where he caught 13 passes for 125 yards last season. His younger brother Brock is a sophomore wide receiver for the Dragons this year and holds an offer from Texas Tech as well.

BLAKE SMITH | TE (’20)

A dual athlete who also started for the Dragon basketball team, Smith caught 40 balls for 492 yards and 11 TDs during his All-District senior year at Southlake Carroll. After two injury-riddled seasons at Texas A&M, Smith transferred to Oklahoma for his junior season.

RJ MARYLAND | TE (’22)

A former District Offensive Player of the Year at Southlake Carroll, Maryland caught 27 touchdowns during two prolific seasons with the Dragons. He kept the pace going at SMU, registering 28 receptions for six TDs and recognition as a Freshman All-America Honorable Mention Team member. He scored the second-most touchdowns in history for a Mustang tight end.

BLAKE SMITH ’20

QUINN EWERS ’21

RJ MICKENS | S (’20)

Mickens tallied 211 tackles and eight interceptions as a safety and 1,092 yards and 14 touchdowns playing wide-out as a rare four-year starter at Carroll. He returns to Clemson University for his senior season after recording 55 tackles and a team-high three interceptions on his way to third-team All-ACC a year ago.

RJ MARYLAND ’22

RJ MICKENS ‘20

,23

CARROLL DRAGON VARSITY SCHEDULE ,23

Fri 8.25 El Paso Eastwood (W 70-21)

Fri 9.1 Flower Mound Marcus (W 57-15)

Fri 9.8 Cedar Hill (W 31-6)

Thu 9.14 Keller Timber Creek

Fri 9.22 Haltom (Homecoming)

Thu 10.5 Keller

Fri 10.13 Keller Central (Pink Out)

Thu 10.19 Eaton

Fri 10.27 Byron Nelson

Fri 11.3 Keller Fossil Ridge (Senior Night)

ALL REMAINING GAME TIMES ARE 7 P.M.

HEAD COACH: RILEY DODGE

ASSISTANT COACHES: LEE MUNN, CHRIS SMITH, BEN GAETH, MIKE RIBBITTS, KRIS BOYD, CODY BELCHER, LOGAN O’BRIEN, JASON JAYNES, BRENNAN WHITAKER, SEAN RAZLOZNIK, ROBERT DRAKE, ADLEY ESHRAGHIPOUR, JAKE QUINN, BRIAN SIDES, JOSH RAULERSON AND MARSHALL MANN

ATHLETIC TRAINERS: ADAM KOKENZIE, KYLE FISHER AND MEGAN ERVIN

PHOTO BY SLOAN PHOTOGRAPHY

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: STEVE KEASLER

SENIOR HIGH PRINCIPAL: RYAN WILSON

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: CHRISTINA BENHOFF SUPERINTENDENT: DR. LANE LEDBETTER

JUMPMAN JACOB

Because “Air Jordan” was too easy.

parting SHOT

Photo by Adrian Cortes

An expert in all facets of home design from construction detailing to turnkey interiors. Susan has the unique gift of creating custom pieces of furnishings, fabrics, drapery, bedding, upholstery, rugs, floral arrangements and more!

An expert in all facets of home design from construction detailing to turnkey interiors. Susan has the unique gift of creating custom pieces of furnishings, fabrics, drapery, bedding, upholstery, rugs, floral arrangements and more!

Dr. Shane Tolleson and family