Carrollwood Day School’s football program is facing a familiar challenge: replacing star power. Last year’s dynamic duo, Xavier Goulbourne and Jordan Magwood tore up defenses, racking up a combined 1,550 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. Now, with both seniors graduating, the Patriots’ ground game is looking to a new generation to keep the chains moving.
Looking at the numbers from MaxPreps, it’s clear Goulbourne and Magwood were the heart of the offense. Goulbourne, with his 1,059 yards and 11 touchdowns, was a true workhorse. Magwood, meanwhile, added a crucial 491 yards and 9 touchdowns, proving a consistent threat. Those are big cleats to fill, no doubt.
But, as any coach will tell you, opportunity knocks for those waiting in the wings. And in Carrollwood’s case, two young running backs have already shown flashes of brilliance. Freshmen Kameron Battle and Antonio Thomas are poised to take on a much larger role this season.
Let’s break it down:
- Kameron Battle: In limited action, Battle impressed, averaging a staggering 9.7 yards per carry. He tallied 203 yards in just three games, including a 100+ yard performance. That kind of explosiveness is exactly what the Patriots will need.
- Antonio Thomas: Thomas wasn’t far behind, averaging 9.8 yards per carry for 206 yards over 11 games. He also added 3 touchdowns. His consistency shows that he will be a player that can be relied upon.
These numbers, while from a smaller sample size, paint an exciting picture. Both Battle and Thomas possess the speed and agility to break big plays, a key ingredient in Carrollwood’s offensive success. They have the potential to bring a new dynamic to the team.
The transition won’t be without its challenges. The increased workload, the pressure of filling senior roles, and the adjustments to varsity-level competition are all factors that these young players will have to navigate. However, the raw talent is undeniable.
The table provided by MaxPreps highlights the situation:
| Rushing | # | Name | GP | Car | Yds | Avg | Y/G | Lng | 100+ | TD |
| Season Totals | 11 | 313 | 2090 | 6.7 | 190.0 | 0 | 5 | 27 | ||
| 0 | X. Goulbourne(Sr) | 11 | 173 | 1059 | 6.1 | 96.3 | 0 | 4 | 11 | |
| 9 | J. Magwood(Sr) | 11 | 84 | 491 | 5.8 | 44.6 | 0 | 0 | 9 | |
| 19 | A. Thomas(Fr) | 11 | 21 | 206 | 9.8 | 18.7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| 6 | K. Battle(Fr) | 3 | 21 | 203 | 9.7 | 67.7 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
With Battle and Thomas, Carrollwood Day isn’t rebuilding; they’re reloading. The ground game might look a little different this season, but the potential for explosive plays remains. The Patriots’ coaching staff will undoubtedly work to develop these young talents, capitalizing on their speed and vision.
Football is a game of opportunity, and for Battle and Thomas, that opportunity is now. Carrollwood Day fans should be excited to see what these young running backs can achieve.