By Art Garcia
Lee Munn isn’t one to shy away from expectations. He’s lived them, breathed them, been engulfed by a community that expects excellence. The first-year head coach of the Carroll Dragons’ football team is anything but “first-year.”
He knows why he’s here. And he’s ready.
“We’re going to try to put a product on the field that the community can be proud of, and we’re going to have kids that are going to play hard and play the game of football the right way,” Munn tells 76092 Magazine. “Then, when they leave the football field and go into the community, they’re hopefully leading and doing the same things when they’re not around their parents or us.
“They’re young adults and young men whom we’re proud of and who are taking responsibility for their actions and doing the right things outside of here — not just winning football games.”
The Dragons are once again expected to be one of the top squads in the state of Texas. For many programs, that is enough of a goal. The difference at Carroll is well-chronicled and just part of the deal for a school owning eight state championships in its history.
Winning a district title, reaching the playoffs and advancing to championship games aren’t taken for granted, but those accomplishments aren’t exactly rare. The Dragons are 29-2 in the last two seasons, reaching the state finals in 2024 and the semifinals last year.
Those two runs came under former coach Riley Dodge, who left Carroll to join the coaching staff at SMU. Munn, at Carroll since 2018 as the defensive coordinator, was the obvious choice to take the torch.
“Lee Munn has earned the respect of our players, staff, and community through his leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence,” Carroll ISD Board President Cam Bryan says. “He understands what it means to be a Dragon and has consistently demonstrated that he will put our players first. We are excited to see him lead our football program into its next chapter.”
The Dragons should be potent offensively again. Junior quarterback Hudson Tomcheck can rely on a foursome — receivers Brody Knowles and Blake Guner, and offensive linemen Tristan Dare and Luke Wilson — with 123 games worth of varsity experience.
Putting up points shouldn’t be an issue.
“It’s about players, not plays,” Munn says. “What’s really exciting is the experience, but also the playmaking ability that we have across the board.”
It’s the other side of the ball where Munn and company need to dial up their usual magic.
The entire starting defense is essentially being rebuilt. Munn and new defensive coordinator Brian Sides are up for the challenge.
Several holdovers, such as linebacker Landon Harris, tackle Kaden Hodges and ends Kyle Duross and Sam Erickson, gained valuable experience last season. The staff is high on a defensive backfield that includes Trent Furgal, Cole Spaeth, Brigham Belnap and Bennett Hunt.
“This is now the third time we’ve replaced all 11 starters,” Munn says. “So, hopefully, we have learned from the past and understand that when you have a lot of new guys that haven’t played a ton, you can’t overcomplicate things in terms of scheme. You have to allow them to get their feet set, their eyes right and just coach them to play with great effort.”
The Carroll nondistrict schedule is highlighted by games with Oklahoma power Jenks in the Cotton Bowl and Allen at Dragon Stadium. The District 4-6A opened on the road at Keller Central on Sept. 17.
Though the program is undergoing its share of change from the coaching staff to the field, much remains the same. At the top of the list are those expectations of excellence.
“We still hold them to a high standard,” Munn says. “The one thing that we’ve been trying to focus on since probably February is just carrying over the standard that we have on the football field and the locker room and in the weight room, and just carrying that into their day-to-day. Ensuring that they’re honoring or upholding our tradition on and off the field, and in everything that they do.”