Dragons emphasizing focus, discipline

Throughout fall camp, Southlake Carroll head football coach Hal Wasson is probably sounding like one of those vinyl records with a deep scratch in it.

He wants this team to maintain its focus and its discipline. He wants this team to maintain its focus and its discipline. He wants this team to maintain … scratch.

If he’s tired of harping on it, the players are probably tired of hearing it. But a team that’s coming off a 9-3 2015 season that ended in a loss to Denton Guyer in the Class 6A Division II area playoff round is not satisfied. Putting the pads away before Thanksgiving is unacceptable.

“Everything has got to be a model,” Wasson said. “Separation in what we do in games and during the season is going to be in our preparation. If we do that and have consistency, then we have a chance.”

By now, you well know the story of the 2016 Dragons before the season kicks off Friday against Tulsa Union at 7 p.m. at Dragon Stadium. There is a heavy senior roster of 53. This team could produce one of the best defenses to ever come through the school. This team has an offense that has a solid quarterback but questions at the skill positions.

Followers are going to learn a lot about this team in the first five weeks. After Tulsa Union, Carroll plays Arlington Martin, travels to Rockwall and then opens District 6-5A at Flower Mound, followed by playing host to Euless Trinity.

“We’re going to play a mouthful,” Wasson said.

So let’s start with the offense. Senior quarterback Mason Holmes (6-1, 190) is coming off a productive 2015 season where he threw for 2,884 yards and 38 touchdowns. But you could see him be a little more active with the run pass option game this fall. The coaching staff likely will have to rely on some diversity after Jack Johansson.

Holmes must nurture four new receivers. But each arrives in unconventional fashion. Hudson Taylor was the junior varsity quarterback in 2015. Jackson Davis played cornerback in 2015. Clayton Keyes was a backup. Cade Bell and Royce Weigel saw some time in limited roles. Jackson and Bell are 5-9, Weigel is 5-11. Hudson and Keyes are 6-0.

The offensive line is anchored by left tackle and Texas A&M commit Carson Green. Meanwhile, Ryan Miller will play on both sides. How much he plays will be up to him, Wasson said.

“With our offensive line, we need to improve,” Wasson said. “I want to see the wheels turn faster. But bringing Ryan Miller back has helped.”

Carroll’s defense may have to lead early. Mainstays like safety and Oklahoma commit Robert Barnes, defensive back Jacob Murphy, defensive end Luke Jeter and Miller provide a nucleus.

“What I like about them is that they are playing faster and with more confidence,” Wasson said. “They understand what we’re asking. Those are two good allies on the field. But it comes down to discipline with gap integrity, doing your assignments and trusting the guy beside you to do his job.

“We you get good guys to make plays, that’s great. If you try to find the ball, that’s not good. What I want to see is this team’s nasty side. I don’t want them or anyone else on this team to become complacent.”

Head coach: Hal Wasson (10th season)

2015: 9-3; lost to Denton Guyer in Class 6A Region I Division II area playoff

Returning starters: 4 offense, 9 defense

Offense: Spread

Defense: 3-4

Key players: QB Mason Holmes, S Robert Barnes, OL Carson Green, DL Luke Jeter, OL/DL Ryan Miller

Notable: Who is Holmes’ backup? Good question. Wasson and offensive coordinator Mark Humble are evaluating candidates, including Hudson Taylor … The Dragons have two intriguing transfers in Mansfield Timberview running back Audricke Gaines and Denton Guyer wide receiver Colton Phillips. Gaines averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry in limited duty in 2015. Phillips also played in a backup spot and averaged 13 yards per reception.

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 2:15 PM with the headline "Dragons emphasizing focus, discipline."