Southlake Carroll storms into the state semifinal, and this time the story is bigger than football. The Dragons just punched DeSoto onto their calendar at AT&T Stadium, and the program’s 14 year title wait feels very real. I watched Southlake Carroll put away Denton Guyer 51 to 19 on Dec. 6, a win built on fresh legs, smart preparation, and players who treat practice like a job. That is the headline on the field. The deeper story is how a playoff run becomes a live classroom for careers, from coaching to data analytics, and how students can turn game night into a resume.
The matchup at AT&T Stadium
DeSoto can run. Southlake Carroll can control a game. That is the clash. The Dragons arrive with balance that travels well. Running back Davis Penn cut through Guyer for 158 rushing yards, and he did it with patience and vision. Quarterback Angelo Renda, a Pittsburgh commit, throws with pace and makes clean reads. He tossed three touchdowns in a game delayed by hours of rain against Prosper. He stayed steady, then took over. Parker Harris doubled as a weapon on offense that night after locking down receivers all season on defense. In the red zone, Ohio State pledge Brock Boyd is a matchup problem.
DeSoto’s speed will test the edges. The Dragons’ plan must start with a firm pocket, clean snaps, and a body on every blitzer. I expect Renda to use quick throws early, then take deep shots once safeties creep. Penn’s patience on inside zone can slow a pass rush. Special teams will matter in a tight game at a pro venue. Field position is a job, not a guess.
Big stage, simple plan. Limit turnovers, win third downs, finish drives with points.
What this run means for students and jobs
A state semifinal is also a hiring fair in plain sight. A night like this needs coaches, trainers, video crews, operations staff, bus drivers, security, and media. Schools across Texas staff these roles every season, and many start with students who learn by doing. I met student videographers logging plays, managers tracking snap counts, and trainers taping ankles, all building real skills that lead to paid work.
If you want in, start on campus. Ask the athletic office about helping with filming, stats, social posts, or equipment. Teacher coach paths begin with teaching certifications. Athletic trainers need CPR and First Aid, then move toward an AT credential in college. Event operations hires part time help every fall. Sports media needs writers and editors who can work on deadline, shoot highlights, and cut clips for broadcast.
Career quick start: record film on Friday, cut a 60 second highlight reel by Saturday, and email it to your AD with a short note. Include your name, role, and one thing you learned.🙂
The Dragons’ playbook for breaking the drought
Southlake Carroll has not lifted the big trophy since 2011. Ending that wait takes habits, not hype. The Dragons brought 19 starters back, and it shows in their communication. You can hear it on the sideline. Seniors talk through looks. Younger players echo calls. That is teachable and repeatable.
Here are the keys I will watch against DeSoto:
- Penn controls tempo with 4 to 6 yard runs early.
- Renda protects the ball and hits Boyd on slants and fades in the red zone.
- Harris flips the field on special teams and steals a possession on defense.
- The front seven keeps rush lanes tight and tackles in space.
Learning tips from a playoff program
The Dragons treat film like a class. Notes, cut ups, and checklists. That is how you improve fast. Students can copy this model for any subject. Break big tasks into small reps. Review, adjust, repeat. Build feedback into your week. It works for calculus, trumpet, and code.
If you are a student athlete, build a simple recruiting folder. Keep a one page bio, GPA, test dates, coach contacts, a two minute highlight, and a full game link. Update it every month. If you are not an athlete, make a portfolio of clips, graphics, stories, or data sheets. Show your work, then share it.
Two smart moves before graduation: learn basic video editing, and learn a spreadsheet. Those skills open doors in sports and beyond.
For educators, use the game in class
Teachers, this week is a gift. Use real data from the Dragons to teach. Turn play charts into ratios. Turn drive charts into line graphs. Write game recaps for English. Cut a 30 second PSA for media arts. Invite the athletic trainer to speak on injury prevention and careers in sports medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where is the semifinal?
A: Southlake Carroll faces DeSoto at AT&T Stadium in the 6A Division II state semifinal. State title games run the week of December 17 to 20.
Q: Who are the players to watch?
A: Davis Penn at running back, quarterback Angelo Renda, two way playmaker Parker Harris, and receiver Brock Boyd. Each can change the game.
Q: How can students get involved if they do not play?
A: Join the video team, stats crew, or operations group. Ask the athletic office for a role on game day and during practice.
Q: What classes help for sports careers?
A: Journalism, digital media, anatomy, statistics, and business. Add CPR training if you plan to help with athletics.
Q: What happens if Southlake Carroll wins?
A: The Dragons advance to the state championship, with a chance to end a 14 year title wait.
Southlake Carroll earned its shot with discipline and depth. DeSoto brings speed and swagger. The winner will be the team that treats the night like a job, one clean rep at a time. For students, that is the lesson and the opportunity. Take a role, do it well, and let Friday night become the start of your resume.
