Wasson says Dragons spring football was more productive than usual

The story of Carroll’s spring football game wasn’t so much what happened but when it happened.

Because the baseball team opened its regional semifinal series against Arlington Martin last Thursday, the game (originally set for Thursday night) was moved to Wednesday. However, the record-setting rains of May forced the game to be moved to Thursday afternoon at Dragon Stadium.

This wasn’t a game where head coach Hal Wasson needed to see anything from his first-team offense and defense. Those players may have played about 20 plays before their nights were done.

“We just wanted to finish, have fun and recognize our Hall of Honor people,” Wasson said.

That said, Wasson called this spring more productive than even he anticipated. There’s better depth along the defensive line in the linebacker corps – both were positions that needed to be addressed – and junior quarterback Mason Holmes has a better feel for the offense in case he is to compete with Montana Murphy for the starting position.

“I think we’re ahead of where I’d thought we’d be,” Wasson said. “Sometimes you come out of spring and go, ‘Uh-oh’. Sometimes, you come out ahead of where thought you’d be. So I’m very pleased.”

Offensive line set

With the exception of finalizing the left guard position, Wasson said the other four positions are set. Senior Lucas Tribble is the left tackle, senior Anton Ezzard is at center, senior Chase Sanford is at right guard and junior Henry Klinge is the right tackle.

Junior Justin Lee and senior Noah Hubel are among the candidates for left guard. Hubel did not go through spring because of an injury. While the front line is good, Wasson hopes the fall camp will produce answers at depth.

“You can’t compare this year to where we were in 2014,” Wasson said. “Anytime you have returners, it makes it easier.”

Defensive line

Wasson didn’t get into details, but one position that is secured in Carroll’s three-man front is nose tackle. That belongs to junior Ryan Miller (6-1, 230). Miller, who moved over from the offensive line, enjoyed a huge spring. There are about five or six other possibilities who will complement him at defensive end and on the second team.

Admittedly, this isn’t going to be overwhelming size with this group, Wasson said. But the key is making sure there are enough guys who can produce while keeping others fresh. Carroll likely will be facing a good number of offensive lines where that front will be conceding easily 30 pounds per position.

Other notables

Senior Grant McFarland will play on both sides of the ball this fall, Wasson said. Expect him to stay at linebacker and also continue to play running back. How much he plays will be determined game by game … wide receiver Zach Farrar went through some of spring football but also split time with baseball. Farrar (6-4, 217) one of the bigger targets that Carroll’s offense has produced since Scott Chandler in the early 2000s. Chandler was 6-7 …. without having six front-line players including Murphy (who is out until July), Carroll’s 7-on-7 team qualified for the state tournament at Justin Northwest this past weekend. The state tournament is being held July 9-11 in College Station. Carroll is scheduled to host its own 7-on-7 tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday at Carroll Senior High School.

This story was originally published June 1, 2015 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Wasson says Dragons spring football was more productive than usual."