Inside the 25: Two classic programs and a 2007 upstart fill out No. 3 ranks

CLASS 5A's #3: Southlake Carroll
2007 Preseason Ranking/Final Ranking: 1/8
2007 Final Record/Playoff Finish: 11-2/DII regional semifinalists
Why They're Ranked: Now that the Dodge era at SLC has truly ended (with Riley's graduation), this season should serve as a barometer for whether the Dragons will continue on their path of state-wide dominance or taper off a bit to just "perennial playoff contender." We all know how last season ended, so we won't revisit it, but this should be the proving grounds for former backup QB Kyle Padron, an early SMU pledge, and a host of other Dragon talents that have been waiting in the wings for their predecessors to graduate. Carroll is probably the class of its new district, and quarterbacks for all the Lewisville ISD teams (and Coppell) are going to have to get used to DE Brayden Burnett (Missouri pledge) and Jackson Richards, a defensive end duo that is going to give opposing offensive lines trouble from start to finish. Speaking of the trenches, Carroll's O-line will get an immediate test in Week 0 from Plano West and blossoming star DE Jackson Jeffcoat, one of the up-and-coming DI talents amidst the underclassmen ranks. But the real crown jewel of the season should be Week 4, when the Dragons host Houston powerhouse Galena Park North Shore, a team that, at that point, could be riding a 74-game regular season win streak. Incredibly, these two classic programs have never played before, so this game is momentous for multiple reasons. DCTF will be in attendance, so we'll see you there.

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