Oklahoma commit Jacob Jordan shines in Southlake Carroll’s win over Keller Timber Creek

The Southlake Carroll Dragons brought the fire to Keller ISD Stadium to open District 4-Class 6A play.

Keller Timber Creek was overpowered and outmatched, falling to Carroll 44-0 on Thursday. The Falcon offense couldn’t consistently move the chains against the Dragons, the Star-Telegram’s No. 1 ranked Class 6A team in the Fort Worth-area rankings.

Timber Creek managed to gain 138 total yards in the contest to Carroll’s 460. Carroll head coach Riley Dodge said his team’s defense was “lights out” and called the unit relentless.

“All 11 on the field,” Dodge said. “Just being dialed into the game plan. I think the biggest thing is just playing fast and physical.”

Dodge called defensive end Dustan Mark, the Star-Telegram’s No. 28 player to watch, a steady playmaker.

“He’s the defensive player of the year in our district for a reason,” Dodge said. “We have a lot of seniors on defense that have played a lot of football. The veterans communicate well together, so we’re playing faster now.”

Dodge, speaking on the offense, said the team needs to slow things down and focus on the fundamentals. The Dragons put up 44 points, but didn’t have a flawless performance.

At this point in the fresh season, Dodge is looking for consistency and trust to build the Dragons into a championship caliber team.

“Guys understanding the trust of the guys around them to do their job,” Dodge said. “And just consistency each and every week.”

Carroll quarterback Graham Knowles, a Virginia Tech commit, passed for 251 yards and two touchdowns on 16 of 22 passing, tossing two interceptions in the process.

His favorite target, wide receiver Jacob Jordan, recorded 168 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions, averaging a whopping 24 yards per catch. Jordan, an Oklahoma commit, said he’s focused on doing his job and executing the offense.

Jordan also said he has built “a lot of chemistry” with Knowles over the years.

“That’s my guy,” Jordan said. “I have a tun of trust in him.”

Dodge mentioned Keller Timber Creek did a good job guarding Jordan defensively, saying the Falcons tried to take his production away.

“Seven (Jordan) is our guy and he does a great job,” Dodge said.

An unstoppable offense

The Dragons offense got on the scoreboard in a hurry. In their first two drives, Carroll scored with only two plays. The first was finished by running back James Lehman, who rushed five yards for the score after Jordan set it up with a miraculous 43 yard reception on a tipped ball.

After a Falcon three and out, sophomore running back Davis Penn tallied a 36-yard rushing touchdown, breaking away from Falcon defenders.

Timber Creek switched quarterbacks and couldn’t get anything going offensively. Once again, the Dragons were set up to succeed; this time, however, it took longer than two plays.

In a 10 play drive, Knowles and Jordan re-established their dominant connection. First, Knowles found Jordan for a 22-yard gain on fourth and long.

The Dragons soon faced fourth and long again, but the same result occurred. Knowles targeted Jordan, completing a 34-yard touchdown to put the Dragons up 21-0.

After another unsuccessful Falcon drive, the Dragons scored their fourth touchdown of the day. Jordan was the recipient of the 21-yard pass.

Carroll had another chance to score prior to the half, and Knowles made nice progress with a stellar throw. The 6-foot-7 QB was rolling out of the pocket, and his momentum was taking him backwards. Still, he heaved a longball and Jordan made the 36 yard, contested catch.

The Dragons couldn’t capitalize, and Knowles made a rare mistake. Timber Creek linebacker Logan Summers intercepted his pass. The Falcons, however, were unable to score as the second quarter came to an end.

A slower second half

In the Dragons’ opening drive following the break, Knowles’ struggles continued. He was picked off by Antwan Bridges. It was as good as a punt, pinning the Falcons deep in their own territory.

The defense took advantage with the Falcons in a tough spot, forcing a punt. Penalties allowed the Dragons to take over on the Falcons’ 7-yard line; Penn rushed for a 4-yard touchdown, picking up his second of the day.

Soon after, Timber Creek had their best opportunity to get on the board, and were in the red zone. The Falcons elected not to kick a field goal facing fourth down and couldn’t secure enough yardage to continue the drive.

With 9 minutes remaining, the Dragons sent in backup quarterback Angelo Renda, who threw Carroll’s third interception of the game. With Carroll up 38-0, the contest was all but over.

Still, Renda extended the lead to 44-0 with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Erik Bussman after another Falcon punt.