kepdawg
08-17-2006, 12:38 AM
Quick Take: Southlake Carroll gets first big break
02:22 AM CDT on Tuesday, August 15, 2006
SOUTHLAKE – Teams with 32-game winning streaks don't need breaks. But Southlake Carroll's class schedule gives the two-time defending mythical national champions an advantage.
Most area districts started school Monday, the first day Class 5A and 4A football programs that didn't hold spring practice could begin official workouts. School doesn't begin at Carroll until the end of the month.
As a result, Carroll can have the traditional two-a-day practices. Most programs hoping to knock Carroll off are limited to one practice per day.
Carroll already had more practice time than every area 5A program other than Hebron and Euless Trinity. The extra practice time during the playoffs is the built-in advantage of making it to the state championship game.
It's also an excellent time to develop next year's team. Carroll's Todd Dodge and many other coaches have promising sub-varsity players practice during the playoffs, allowing them to get a feel for the big show.
Another edge to winning state championships:
"Our kids are in pretty stinkin' good shape," Dodge said after Monday afternoon's practice.
So not only does Carroll get more practice, it can focus on position battles and fine-tuning instead of conditioning.
Carroll has established a dynasty because of talented players who are more disciplined than their foes. Don't expect much to change this season.
E-mail tmacmahon@dallasnews.com
02:22 AM CDT on Tuesday, August 15, 2006
SOUTHLAKE – Teams with 32-game winning streaks don't need breaks. But Southlake Carroll's class schedule gives the two-time defending mythical national champions an advantage.
Most area districts started school Monday, the first day Class 5A and 4A football programs that didn't hold spring practice could begin official workouts. School doesn't begin at Carroll until the end of the month.
As a result, Carroll can have the traditional two-a-day practices. Most programs hoping to knock Carroll off are limited to one practice per day.
Carroll already had more practice time than every area 5A program other than Hebron and Euless Trinity. The extra practice time during the playoffs is the built-in advantage of making it to the state championship game.
It's also an excellent time to develop next year's team. Carroll's Todd Dodge and many other coaches have promising sub-varsity players practice during the playoffs, allowing them to get a feel for the big show.
Another edge to winning state championships:
"Our kids are in pretty stinkin' good shape," Dodge said after Monday afternoon's practice.
So not only does Carroll get more practice, it can focus on position battles and fine-tuning instead of conditioning.
Carroll has established a dynasty because of talented players who are more disciplined than their foes. Don't expect much to change this season.
E-mail tmacmahon@dallasnews.com