Reflections

[drgnbkr]

My family moved to Southlake in 92. My first memories of the place were that it was a nice, rural, area with lots of space, but close enough to the big city to enjoy what that offered without having to endure the "rat race". I had heard of Southlake's football prowess, but had yet to experience it first hand. The first real taste of what would become an amazing ride, was the 92 Vernon game at Pennington..the one man gang of Dexter Butler (our own Matthew 2000's cousin) against the Dragon team. Blood and guts battle for the ages, in front of an overflow crowd that could only be described as amazing. Carroll wins and goes on to get title number 2. In 93 we all packed into old Dragon Stadium and watched Kris Brown and Dane Johnson lead the Dragons to a State Title matchup with Cuero at the Floyd in Waco. Carroll wins title #3 over Clint Finley and the Gobblers. The 90's saw Carroll set the current longest regular season winning streak at 72 (I believe) finally ended by Gainesville. The 98 semifinal game at Texas Stadium vs Stephenville ranks as one of my favorites. The Carroll fans made every sort of noise maker to try and match the rabid supporters for the Yellowjackets. We came close in terms of noise and in the final score, but Stephenville knocked the Nathan Chandler lead Dragons out with a last minute bomb from Kellen Luker to Cody Cardwell. Coach Dodge appeared on the scene, learned how to refine and adapt the spread offense for the personnel he had at Carroll and beginning in 2002 put it on display for the rest of the state to see and experience. The first notice I had of the potential of this team and scheme, was in the Lewisville game, at Lewisville. Carroll dominated and we all thought, wow, we might have something here. The second validation we got was at Shotwell in Abilene against the nationally ranked and undefeated Cooper Cougars. I remember thier players frustration after the Dragons handled them relatively easily, and I remember Coach Dodge consoling some of their players after the the game. The Lufkin game that season was the beginning of a respectful rivalry with the Pack, that would continue through the next several years and creat some memorable contests. 2003 brought the frustration of losing the final game in the Alamodome, but taught the Dragons and the community not to take things for granted and introduced everyone to another respectful rivalry with Katy. 04 brought another great run and title, with a great finish at Texas Stadium, as Kevin Ortega kicked a 42 yarder as time expired to beat a game Smithson Valley team. 05 was a dominate year for the Dragons with the finale being the win against Katy. I enjoyed meeting several of the board regulars at that game. 2006 was really an overachieving young Carroll offense, supported by what IMO was the best defense Carroll has had in my time watching them. The Trinity game and atmosphere was one that I wish everyone could have experienced with us (maybe everyone did, there were a lot of people there!) It was nothing short of incredible and forged a bond of support, I believe, between the 2 communities. 2007 has been a fun year, with all the hype around the Miami game, and then the game itself which lived up to the billing, even though it didn't turn out the way we all might have wanted. Injuries played a significant role for the first time in challenging the Dragons every week it seemed. The Dragons always seemed to find a way to make it happen until the final moments of the Abilene game, when good fortune turned the Eagles way. When we moved to Southlake my youngest was 2 years old, and now he is a sophmore on the JV. My daughter was in middle school and I remember driving down to Waco with her and some of her friends and watching the Dragons win a title. It has been a fun ride, but the point is that it is by no means winding down. The quality we see moving up to take their turn as Dragons is very high. The challenges, as always will be very difficult, but we wouldn't like it any other way. I'm a parent, I'm a Dragon fan, and I've enjoyed every bit of it...even 03, and the 2007 finish...These Dragons epitomize what we all hope for...the competitive drive to achieve something better in life.

[CoveMom]

Bravo! You sir, are an officer and a gentleman! Southlake was lucky your family moved in 1992.

[Favpack]

Nice post drgnbkr - very well done. It was nice meeting you at SFA with 0808.

It goes without saying the 2002 Lufkin - SLC game was one of the more memorable experiences of mine over the past decade. I think we Lufkin fans took that one for granted as we had held the ugly trophy high just 12 months prior. I sincerely wish those great 04 and 05 SLC teams had not been our ultimate roadblock - but Lufkin learned you have to be ready to play the best and not back in to anything. This year's Dragon team will learn much from the very unlikely brain freeze - and be better for it.

See you down the road!

[drgnbkr]

Nice post drgnbkr - very well done. It was nice meeting you at SFA with 0808.

It goes without saying the 2002 Lufkin - SLC game was one of the more memorable experiences of mine over the past decade. I think we Lufkin fans took that one for granted as we had held the ugly trophy high just 12 months prior. I sincerely wish those great 04 and 05 SLC teams had not been our ultimate roadblock - but Lufkin learned you have to be ready to play the best and not back in to anything. This year's Dragon team will learn much from the very unlikely brain freeze - and be better for it.

See you down the road!

Thanks Fav...I also enjoyed visiting with you and 0808. Where has he been by the way?

[Favpack]

Thanks Fav...I also enjoyed visiting with you and 0808. Where has he been by the way?

I think he has the young kids are getting older and Dad's the coach syndrome - plus plotting more stats for the unlikely Big Ten takeover of the world. :D

[drgnbkr]

I think he has the young kids are getting older and Dad's the coach syndrome - plus plotting more stats for the unlikely Big Ten takeover of the world. :D

Okay..tell him hi.

[TulsaHale74]

Grapevine since 89. Hard to believe now that McDonalds was the only sign you could see at night, and Southlake might have had more cows and pigs than people. I remember Aaron Luna and Jack and Jack's Dad from U8 soccer, and getting to watch Aaron on TV for the PP&K competition.

What a nice touch of history, sentiment, and optimism! And all this time I thought your limit was three sentence per post.:)

I try to explain my reasons for the Carroll Dragons success to my youngest, also a sophomore. I think the Carroll District has advantages - results from planning by early Southlake and Carroll leaders. But what puts them at the top is what you succinctly said: "the competitive drive to achieve something better in life."

[SLC93]

My family moved to Southlake in 92. My first memories of the place were that it was a nice, rural, area with lots of space, but close enough to the big city to enjoy what that offered without having to endure the "rat race". I had heard of Southlake's football prowess, but had yet to experience it first hand. The first real taste of what would become an amazing ride, was the 92 Vernon game at Pennington..the one man gang of Dexter Butler (our own Matthew 2000's cousin) against the Dragon team. Blood and guts battle for the ages, in front of an overflow crowd that could only be described as amazing. Carroll wins and goes on to get title number 2. In 93 we all packed into old Dragon Stadium and watched Kris Brown and Dane Johnson lead the Dragons to a State Title matchup with Cuero at the Floyd in Waco. Carroll wins title #3 over Clint Finley and the Gobblers. The 90's saw Carroll set the current longest regular season winning streak at 72 (I believe) finally ended by Gainesville. The 98 semifinal game at Texas Stadium vs Stephenville ranks as one of my favorites. The Carroll fans made every sort of noise maker to try and match the rabid supporters for the Yellowjackets. We came close in terms of noise and in the final score, but Stephenville knocked the Nathan Chandler lead Dragons out with a last minute bomb from Kellen Luker to Cody Cardwell. Coach Dodge appeared on the scene, learned how to refine and adapt the spread offense for the personnel he had at Carroll and beginning in 2002 put it on display for the rest of the state to see and experience. The first notice I had of the potential of this team and scheme, was in the Lewisville game, at Lewisville. Carroll dominated and we all thought, wow, we might have something here. The second validation we got was at Shotwell in Abilene against the nationally ranked and undefeated Cooper Cougars. I remember thier players frustration after the Dragons handled them relatively easily, and I remember Coach Dodge consoling some of their players after the the game. The Lufkin game that season was the beginning of a respectful rivalry with the Pack, that would continue through the next several years and creat some memorable contests. 2003 brought the frustration of losing the final game in the Alamodome, but taught the Dragons and the community not to take things for granted and introduced everyone to another respectful rivalry with Katy. 04 brought another great run and title, with a great finish at Texas Stadium, as Kevin Ortega kicked a 42 yarder as time expired to beat a game Smithson Valley team. 05 was a dominate year for the Dragons with the finale being the win against Katy. I enjoyed meeting several of the board regulars at that game. 2006 was really an overachieving young Carroll offense, supported by what IMO was the best defense Carroll has had in my time watching them. The Trinity game and atmosphere was one that I wish everyone could have experienced with us (maybe everyone did, there were a lot of people there!) It was nothing short of incredible and forged a bond of support, I believe, between the 2 communities. 2007 has been a fun year, with all the hype around the Miami game, and then the game itself which lived up to the billing, even though it didn't turn out the way we all might have wanted. Injuries played a significant role for the first time in challenging the Dragons every week it seemed. The Dragons always seemed to find a way to make it happen until the final moments of the Abilene game, when good fortune turned the Eagles way. When we moved to Southlake my youngest was 2 years old, and now he is a sophmore on the JV. My daughter was in middle school and I remember driving down to Waco with her and some of her friends and watching the Dragons win a title. It has been a fun ride, but the point is that it is by no means winding down. The quality we see moving up to take their turn as Dragons is very high. The challenges, as always will be very difficult, but we wouldn't like it any other way. I'm a parent, I'm a Dragon fan, and I've enjoyed every bit of it...even 03, and the 2007 finish...These Dragons epitomize what we all hope for...the competitive drive to achieve something better in life.

As a member of the senior class for that Dragon team, I admit the following is a tad biased. If that was your first exposure to Carroll football, it's no wonder you've been addicted since that night. Like a dealer getting you hooked with the pure stuff! That game, to this day, should rank in most everyone's top ten of all time for Texas hs football. Very well said, sir.

[trojanbacker]

I was stunned when I heard the score on Saturday. Please know that a lot of Trinity people were pulling for you. The playoffs are just not going to be the same with you guys out of it. But, I know you'll be back next year, stronger than ever, no doubt.

[jdlewallen]

I was stunned when I heard the score on Saturday. Please know that a lot of Trinity people were pulling for you. The playoffs are just not going to be the same with you guys out of it. But, I know you'll be back next year, stronger than ever, no doubt.

Sorry. Only one of you two are allowed to stay in the playoffs past this round...:p

Though frankly, I wish THEY were the ones still in.... :cry But enjoy your march to another title. At least then we can console ourselves with having been knocked out by the eventual state champs. Again...:(

[Bobcat81]

My family moved to Southlake in 92. My first memories of the place were that it was a nice, rural, area with lots of space, but close enough to the big city to enjoy what that offered without having to endure the "rat race". I had heard of Southlake's football prowess, but had yet to experience it first hand. The first real taste of what would become an amazing ride, was the 92 Vernon game at Pennington..the one man gang of Dexter Butler (our own Matthew 2000's cousin) against the Dragon team. Blood and guts battle for the ages, in front of an overflow crowd that could only be described as amazing. Carroll wins and goes on to get title number 2. In 93 we all packed into old Dragon Stadium and watched Kris Brown and Dane Johnson lead the Dragons to a State Title matchup with Cuero at the Floyd in Waco. Carroll wins title #3 over Clint Finley and the Gobblers. The 90's saw Carroll set the current longest regular season winning streak at 72 (I believe) finally ended by Gainesville. The 98 semifinal game at Texas Stadium vs Stephenville ranks as one of my favorites. The Carroll fans made every sort of noise maker to try and match the rabid supporters for the Yellowjackets. We came close in terms of noise and in the final score, but Stephenville knocked the Nathan Chandler lead Dragons out with a last minute bomb from Kellen Luker to Cody Cardwell. Coach Dodge appeared on the scene, learned how to refine and adapt the spread offense for the personnel he had at Carroll and beginning in 2002 put it on display for the rest of the state to see and experience. The first notice I had of the potential of this team and scheme, was in the Lewisville game, at Lewisville. Carroll dominated and we all thought, wow, we might have something here. The second validation we got was at Shotwell in Abilene against the nationally ranked and undefeated Cooper Cougars. I remember thier players frustration after the Dragons handled them relatively easily, and I remember Coach Dodge consoling some of their players after the the game. The Lufkin game that season was the beginning of a respectful rivalry with the Pack, that would continue through the next several years and creat some memorable contests. 2003 brought the frustration of losing the final game in the Alamodome, but taught the Dragons and the community not to take things for granted and introduced everyone to another respectful rivalry with Katy. 04 brought another great run and title, with a great finish at Texas Stadium, as Kevin Ortega kicked a 42 yarder as time expired to beat a game Smithson Valley team. 05 was a dominate year for the Dragons with the finale being the win against Katy. I enjoyed meeting several of the board regulars at that game. 2006 was really an overachieving young Carroll offense, supported by what IMO was the best defense Carroll has had in my time watching them. The Trinity game and atmosphere was one that I wish everyone could have experienced with us (maybe everyone did, there were a lot of people there!) It was nothing short of incredible and forged a bond of support, I believe, between the 2 communities. 2007 has been a fun year, with all the hype around the Miami game, and then the game itself which lived up to the billing, even though it didn't turn out the way we all might have wanted. Injuries played a significant role for the first time in challenging the Dragons every week it seemed. The Dragons always seemed to find a way to make it happen until the final moments of the Abilene game, when good fortune turned the Eagles way. When we moved to Southlake my youngest was 2 years old, and now he is a sophmore on the JV. My daughter was in middle school and I remember driving down to Waco with her and some of her friends and watching the Dragons win a title. It has been a fun ride, but the point is that it is by no means winding down. The quality we see moving up to take their turn as Dragons is very high. The challenges, as always will be very difficult, but we wouldn't like it any other way. I'm a parent, I'm a Dragon fan, and I've enjoyed every bit of it...even 03, and the 2007 finish...These Dragons epitomize what we all hope for...the competitive drive to achieve something better in life.


Nice post dgnbkr. Thanks for sharing. That's awesome that you have that kind of pride for your community. Winning has an affect not much can equal. That goes for all aspects of life.

[TigerHat]

When I went to the MNW game I really enjoyed talking to the SLC fans in line, and to the ones sitting around me at the game - good people. (And yes I wore my Katy Red and Tiger Hat, and yes I was there supporting the Dragons). Two losses this year, and neither expected.

I am looking forward to the rubber match between our teams in the state finals - I know the Dragons will be back at the top soon enough.

Thank you so much for your post - what great memories you have.

[AE 8008]

awesome post

[SLCFan]

My family moved to Southlake in 92. My first memories of the place were that it was a nice, rural, area with lots of space, but close enough to the big city to enjoy what that offered without having to endure the "rat race". I had heard of Southlake's football prowess, but had yet to experience it first hand. The first real taste of what would become an amazing ride, was the 92 Vernon game at Pennington..the one man gang of Dexter Butler (our own Matthew 2000's cousin) against the Dragon team. Blood and guts battle for the ages, in front of an overflow crowd that could only be described as amazing. Carroll wins and goes on to get title number 2. In 93 we all packed into old Dragon Stadium and watched Kris Brown and Dane Johnson lead the Dragons to a State Title matchup with Cuero at the Floyd in Waco. Carroll wins title #3 over Clint Finley and the Gobblers. The 90's saw Carroll set the current longest regular season winning streak at 72 (I believe) finally ended by Gainesville. The 98 semifinal game at Texas Stadium vs Stephenville ranks as one of my favorites. The Carroll fans made every sort of noise maker to try and match the rabid supporters for the Yellowjackets. We came close in terms of noise and in the final score, but Stephenville knocked the Nathan Chandler lead Dragons out with a last minute bomb from Kellen Luker to Cody Cardwell. Coach Dodge appeared on the scene, learned how to refine and adapt the spread offense for the personnel he had at Carroll and beginning in 2002 put it on display for the rest of the state to see and experience. The first notice I had of the potential of this team and scheme, was in the Lewisville game, at Lewisville. Carroll dominated and we all thought, wow, we might have something here. The second validation we got was at Shotwell in Abilene against the nationally ranked and undefeated Cooper Cougars. I remember thier players frustration after the Dragons handled them relatively easily, and I remember Coach Dodge consoling some of their players after the the game. The Lufkin game that season was the beginning of a respectful rivalry with the Pack, that would continue through the next several years and creat some memorable contests. 2003 brought the frustration of losing the final game in the Alamodome, but taught the Dragons and the community not to take things for granted and introduced everyone to another respectful rivalry with Katy. 04 brought another great run and title, with a great finish at Texas Stadium, as Kevin Ortega kicked a 42 yarder as time expired to beat a game Smithson Valley team. 05 was a dominate year for the Dragons with the finale being the win against Katy. I enjoyed meeting several of the board regulars at that game. 2006 was really an overachieving young Carroll offense, supported by what IMO was the best defense Carroll has had in my time watching them. The Trinity game and atmosphere was one that I wish everyone could have experienced with us (maybe everyone did, there were a lot of people there!) It was nothing short of incredible and forged a bond of support, I believe, between the 2 communities. 2007 has been a fun year, with all the hype around the Miami game, and then the game itself which lived up to the billing, even though it didn't turn out the way we all might have wanted. Injuries played a significant role for the first time in challenging the Dragons every week it seemed. The Dragons always seemed to find a way to make it happen until the final moments of the Abilene game, when good fortune turned the Eagles way. When we moved to Southlake my youngest was 2 years old, and now he is a sophmore on the JV. My daughter was in middle school and I remember driving down to Waco with her and some of her friends and watching the Dragons win a title. It has been a fun ride, but the point is that it is by no means winding down. The quality we see moving up to take their turn as Dragons is very high. The challenges, as always will be very difficult, but we wouldn't like it any other way. I'm a parent, I'm a Dragon fan, and I've enjoyed every bit of it...even 03, and the 2007 finish...These Dragons epitomize what we all hope for...the competitive drive to achieve something better in life.

:notworthy

Great post...

[slc1knight]

Great post
I moved to SLC in 2001. My only regret was it wasn't sooner. Thanks for sharing the early days.

[dragons08]

It just sucks being a senior. Im done with it all forever. I'll never be part of something like this again. Though, I didnt play football, its just being part of it. Going to all the games, cheering all game, hanging out with friends, the close games, the blow outs, the records, the tv games, everything. Its just amazing that its all over. I have a ton of memories from band/football, some good, some bad. It was a good ride while it lasted, thanks for the memories.

Underclassmen reading this, make sure to cheerish your 4 years, it comes and goes real fast.

[drgnbkr]

It just sucks being a senior. Im done with it all forever. I'll never be part of something like this again. Though, I didnt play football, its just being part of it. Going to all the games, cheering all game, hanging out with friends, the close games, the blow outs, the records, the tv games, everything. Its just amazing that its all over. I have a ton of memories from band/football, some good, some bad. It was a good ride while it lasted, thanks for the memories.

Underclassmen reading this, make sure to cheerish your 4 years, it comes and goes real fast.

That is a great post my man...it all comes and goes so fast...It is really great you got to enjoy it..a lot of kids never get a taste of what you have been able to enjoy! Good luck at college and come back and say hi occasionally!

[BigFanSLC]

i also moved to southlake in 1992, it was good to grow up and experience the early days and see the state championships in 3A.

[dragons08]

That is a great post my man...it all comes and goes so fast...It is really great you got to enjoy it..a lot of kids never get a taste of what you have been able to enjoy! Good luck at college and come back and say hi occasionally!

Before every game we have this tradition involing monster energy drinks.

So after the game, we got back to the high school, went to store bought some monsters and we went to the top of that band tower. Did the tradition and just chilled up there for a little bit, and I just NOW realized, how easy it was for the directors to see me goofing around from up there. 4 years of goofing around thinking they couldnt see, and boy was I wrong..

That loss couldnt have come at a worse time either. With Phantom and All-Region going on, my gf had to miss the game. When she found out about the loss, she just started crying and couldnt stop going into her audition. The whole athmosphere means so much to everyone and when its over, it hits you like a train, espically missing that last game and the pressure of all the phantom practices and everything. In general, the loss just hits you. Its done. Many of us involved in something to do with the game will never be part of anything as specail again.

Senior Class of '08.

[drgnbkr]

Before every game we have this tradition involing monster energy drinks.

So after the game, we got back to the high school, went to store bought some monsters and we went to the top of that band tower. Did the tradition and just chilled up there for a little bit, and I just NOW realized, how easy it was for the directors to see me goofing around from up there. 4 years of goofing around thinking they couldnt see, and boy was I wrong..

That loss couldnt have come at a worse time either. With Phantom and All-Region going on, my gf had to miss the game. When she found out about the loss, she just started crying and couldnt stop going into her audition. The whole athmosphere means so much to everyone and when its over, it hits you like a train, espically missing that last game and the pressure of all the phantom practices and everything. In general, the loss just hits you. Its done. Many of us involved in something to do with the game will never be part of anything as specail again.

Senior Class of '08.

Life is as special as you make it....nobody ever gave the Dragons anything and no one will ever give you anything, but you've seen what hard work and detirmination can do..you have many joys coming your way, including parenthood, making your own way in life and your experiences at Carroll will support you greatly.