Dragons State Semifinal Bound In 5A Division I

UNIVERSITY PARK — The Carroll Dragons handled the driving rain and the Martin Warriors to advance to the Class 5A Division I State Semifinals for the first time since 2006.

Carroll (14-0) withtstood difficult conditions and kept its playoff run alive with a 31-14 victory last Saturday at SMU’s Ford Stadium. The Dragons advance to meet Dallas Skyline (14-0) for a berth in the state championship at 4 p.m. Saturday at Ford Stadium.

Both teams went back and forth in the first half trading leads. Carroll held a 17-14 lead at halftime thanks to a 16-yard pass from Kenny Hill to Sabian Holmes. Hill had two passing touchdowns and rushed for two. He finished with 169 yards passing going 11-of-26. He added 16 carries for 59 yards. Holmes had both TD catches and finished with five catches for 92 yards. He also added an interception.

Again, the Carroll defense provided a huge performance. Martin was held scoreless in the second half and the Dragons produced three turnovers in the game. The second half has been the defense’s finest moments as the past three playoff opponents (Cedar Hill, Bowie and Martin) have been held scoreless in the final two quarters.