Dragons look to win out

The Carroll football team is returning to the playoffs following last Saturday’s 49-14 win against Colleyville Heritage. Now the Dragons (6-2, 3-1 in District 7-6A) are using these last two games of the regular season to correct flaws and create efficiency.

The Dragons are finishing with what should be a soft landing. They play at Haltom (1-7, 0-4) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Birdville Fine Arts and Athletic Complex (KWRD 100.7 FM) and then play host to Hurst L.D. Bell (1-8, 1-4) on Nov. 6.

“Our approach hasn’t changed regardless of who we play,” Carroll head coach Hal Wasson said. “Respect everyone but fear no one. We have to continue to focus on ourselves and make sure we are getting better.”

Carroll’s division hasn’t been determined because it depends on what happens with Colleyville Heritage, Coppell and Richland. If Coppell and Colleyville Heritage or Coppell and Richland qualify for the playoffs, the Dragons are in Division II. If Richland and Colleyville Heritage qualify, then the Dragons are going Division I.

Carroll has the No. 5 enrollment in the district. Coppell is first, Colleyville Heritage is sixth and Richland is seventh.

Coleman’s emergence

Consider senior running back Shemar Coleman’s performance against Colleyville Heritage this past Saturday his breakthrough.

He rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass (3-27). Little by little, Coleman is becoming that reliable second running option behind Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

At 5-9, 170 lbs., Coleman offers a little more shake and can hide behind his offensive line to make moves. The rise in his confidence can’t be disputed. It’s coming at the right time as the Dragons are hoping to make another deep playoff run.

“It was definitely a good game for him,” Wasson said. “He’s becoming more and more involved. Really, the last three, four games, he’s brought a different dimension. Shemar understands what we’re doing. He has a lot of confidence. When you have a confidence, it’s a good thing. We always thought he’s had some special things. He’s coming out of his shell.”

For the season, Coleman has rushed for 449 yards and eight touchdowns. He has the highest yards-per-carry average of any Carroll rusher at 7.9. He’s also caught 38 passes for 343 yards and four touchdowns.

A third receiver

He caught what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown in double overtime against Coppell. But Carroll coaches are hoping what Cameron Duhon is delivering will continue as they search for a third solid receiving option.

Carroll can rely on both Zach Farrar and Humphrey as its top two targets. While Coleman is third on the team in receptions, he’s a chain mover at 9.0 yards per catch. Duhon is fourth with 18 receptions for 279 yards (15.5 per).

“Cameron’s been coming on strong for us,” Wasson said. “He’s had two good weeks of practice. He can run. He’s fast.”

Defensive looks

Because of injuries and the need to create depth, Carroll deployed a pretty youthful defensive lineup last week against Colleyville Heritage. It used several sophomores, including linebacker Will Quillen and defensive end Ryan Thompson.

Thompson was called up last week from the junior varsity and caught the coaches’ attention on several packages. Junior defensive end John Miscoll was held out.

“We’ve had some injuries, so when you’re young you have to guys on the field and get them some experience,” Wasson said. “We’re also getting some competition.”

Senior linebacker I.V. Seacat also didn’t play because of an injury.

This story was originally published October 26, 2015 at 3:49 PM with the headline "Dragons look to win out."