Go Friday Night

Dodge top coach

By Lew
December 21, 2004

Posted on Tue, Dec. 21, 2004



USA Today' makes the call: Dodge top coach

By Trae Thompson

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

The nation's No. 1 high school football team now also has the nation's top head coach.

Carroll coach Todd Dodge has been selected the USA Today National Coach of the Year. It's the latest award for the Dragons (16-0), the Class 5A Division II state champions and national champions in both the final USA Today and National Prep polls.

"I think anytime I get a coaching award, whether it's district, state or national, that my whole staff is right there with me," Dodge said. "I feel I'm accepting it on behalf of all of us."

Dodge said he was notified by the paper of the honor Sunday, a day after he won his second Class 5A state title in three years with the Dragons.

Dodge is 66-11 in five seasons at Carroll.

"Isn't that outstanding?" athletic director Ronnie Tipps said. "I think he's very deserving along with our team."

In addition to helping players handle the pressure of being No. 1 in the nation and winning three close playoff games, Tipps pointed to Dodge's leadership after the death of former defensive coordinator Charlie Stalcup before the season.

The Dragons dedicated the season to Stalcup.

"I think the life lessons learned by our kids has been tremendous under coach Dodge's direction," Tipps said.

Senior quarterback Chase Daniel said for anyone who follows football in Texas, the award is a no-brainer. Now others nationally are catching on to Dodge's abilities.

"They obviously know about him now," Daniel said. "He could easily be in the college ranks. All the awards I've got go to him. He's a great coach."

Comments

• Previous Entry: « Merry Christmas!
• Next Entry: Bush honors Crawford's state champs »