In a dominant performance, Southlake Carroll showcased their strength right from the start against Highland Park in a Class 6A Division 2 regional-round game, claiming a convincing 45-14 victory at Choctaw Stadium on Friday. This win sets up Carroll (12-1), ranked No. 3 in the final Star-Telegram Class 6A rankings and No. 10 in the state by Dave Campbell’s Class 6A state poll, for a state quarterfinal clash against either district rival Trophy Club Nelson (12-0) or Coppell (12-0), ranked No. 1 and No. 19 in the state, respectively. Notably, Nelson previously handed Carroll their sole loss this season with a 34-17 win on October 27.
Quarterback Graham Knowles, who threw for 132 yards completing nine of 16 passes, expressed a keen interest in potentially facing Nelson again, feeling a sense of motivation ever since their previous loss. Carroll has been on a rampage in their recent games, outscoring opponents 227-28 in the last four matchups, maintaining an average margin of 57-7.
Carroll swiftly established control, securing a 21-0 lead by scoring touchdowns in their first three possessions. A blocked punt by Sam Fuller set the stage for their dominance, and the Dragons’ offensive line, generating 357 rushing yards on 31 attempts, proved vital. Davis Penn and Riley Wormley, alternating in the running back position, displayed an impressive performance, accumulating 211 and 124 rushing yards, respectively.
Despite Highland Park’s efforts to ignite their offense, Carroll’s defense held firm, allowing only 126 rushing yards. Even when Highland Park threatened, Carroll’s defensive prowess, exemplified by Dustan Mark’s crucial plays, stymied their advances.
Penn’s 90-yard touchdown run and Wormley’s explosive plays helped Carroll seize a commanding 28-7 lead before halftime. Although Highland Park managed a score before the half and a subsequent touchdown later, Carroll’s relentless offense, led by Penn and Wormley, continued to widen the gap, securing a 45-7 lead by the third quarter.
Coach Riley Dodge commended his team’s defensive strategy against Highland Park quarterback Parker Thompson, former Carroll Dragon, praising their focus on limiting his impact. Thompson struggled to find space and faced constant pressure, resulting in a tough 15 of 33 passing night for 190 yards.
With their impeccable performance, Carroll showcased not just their skill but their game-day intensity, reflecting their commitment to dominate their opponents for the entire duration of the match.
