The Dragons rolled to a 49-20 victory at SMU’s Ford Stadium, putting up 42 of those points in the first half to easily rout their first opponent.
Now, facing another team with a heavy dose of returning starters in Arlington, the eyes of the Carroll faithful will turn to see how well the Dragons handle themselves against another experienced team with high expectations.
"Their coach thinks that [Arlington] is really going to be special," said Caroll coach Hal Wasson, whose Dragons (1-0) take on the Colts (1-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at UTA’s Maverick Stadium. "Of course, when you have 15 members coming back, you’d expect them to give you a lot.
"They’re a team that went three-deep in the playoffs a year ago," he said. "They’ve got a lot of athleticism and a lot of speed. We’re playing at their place, so we know we’re going to have our work cut out for us."
Some view this week’s match-up as a contest between two re-emerging powers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Before Carroll’s team of 13 returning starters built a one-sided contest against Plano West on Saturday, Arlington was busy doing the same the night before against its opponent.
The Colts’ 28-14 final score over Carrollton Creekview might look like a modest victory, but Arlington built a 28-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Creekview’s two touchdowns came late in the game, well after the contest had already been decided.
If the Dragons defense has learned anything by watching tape of Arlington’s first game, it’s the need to beware of the dangerous abilities of Colts quarterback Matt Joeckel. Not to mention the talented offense he has surrounding him.
"First off, they have a lot of guys that have played together on varsity football," Wasson said. "Secondly, they have a really good, accurate quarterback and great wide receivers that will put a lot of pressure on our defense. They have a great offensive line."
That line helped pave the way for a big night for Arlington running back Deron Davis, who had 103 yards on 20 carries. Joeckel also rushed for a score and threw for three more on a night when the quarterback passed for 263 yards. Though the Arlington quarterback spread it around, Jordan Davis was the most productive receiver with 92 yards on three catches.
The Dragons provided plenty of highlight reel moments for their fans as well. Tommy Avers was the spark plug this time, with 175 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. Avers broke open what was a tight contest at 14-apiece at the end of the first quarter with a 98-yard kickoff return to make it 21-14. Avers also ran for a 73-yard score in the second quarter.
"I said from the beginning that I thought Tommy Avers would have a great year," Wasson said. "He didn’t do anything to change that view. …The kickoff return obviously helped open the floodgates for us, but it was an all-around solid game offensively."
Carroll starting quarterback David Piland threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns while splitting time with backup Kyle Williamson. Williamson came in for a few series, connection on 7-of-12 passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
Ryan Gentry was the Dragons’ top receiver, catching seven passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns – one from each quarterback. Carroll receiver Brett Renger also had 88 yards on five catches and the game’s first touchdown.
Piland the Starter
Although his two quarterbacks will continue to share time in ballgames this season, Wasson made it clear who will lead the team out on the field first.
"David Piland’s our starter," Wasson said. "That’s not an issue at all. He’ll start on Friday."
Williamson will likely see playing time during certain series of the game similar to the set-up in Carroll’s opener with Plano West.
Plenty to Like, Work On
Although Wasson had lots of good things to say about his team’s performance in its season opener, there are still things he’d like his team to fix.
"I think we set the bar high in that first game," he said. "Now we need to make sure we put four solid quarters of football together."
Carroll’s offense cooled down in the second half, unable to string drives together and only scoring once.
However, Wasson said he was greatly encouraged by his players’ perseverance when the battle was raging early on.
"What I liked most is when Plano West scored and responded, we had an answer," he said. "That’s what good teams need to do … when another team makes plays, like good teams are going to do, you have to have players that are going to rise to the occasion and come right back at them."
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Carroll (1-0) vs. Arlington (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
UTA’s Maverick Stadium, Arlington
Prediction: Carroll 38, Arlington 24. Expect a close battle and drama early on, with two experienced teams waging war. But the Dragons stronger offense and solid defense should make the plays when they’re most needed.
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