COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — They're balanced, explosive, and determined to raise the bar.
A year removed from a season filled with high expectations, the Collierville High School football team is once again poised for a deep playoff run. Maybe the reason for this year's team motto, unFINISHED.
That ambition was on full display Friday night, where the Dragons overwhelmed White Station in a first-round playoff matchup, cruising to a commanding 56-0 victory.
From the opening kickoff, Collierville was all gas, no brakes. The Dragons showcased their athleticism in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—leaving no doubt about their postseason intentions.
The offensive line set the tone early, delivering dominant protection and opening lanes for the backfield. Skill players and linemen alike contributed to a blocking clinic, with tight ends delivering punishing perimeter pancakes.
Quarterback Brayden Santibanez looked sharp, connecting with Bradley Stubbs for an early first-quarter touchdown pass.
Tulane commit Lawrence Autry, fresh off a six-touchdown performance, continued his scoring streak with two more touchdowns—one on the opening drive and another to close out the first quarter. Junior running back Dillan Vaughn added a rushing touchdown, and 4-star standout Tae Walden electrified the crowd with a pick-six off a perfectly timed read.
By the end of the first quarter, Collierville led 35-0.
Walden wasn’t done. He hauled in two touchdown receptions in the second quarter, one from Santibanez and another from senior signal-caller Cayson Stanford, further extending the lead. Kicker Hayden Hollenbeck remained flawless on point-after attempts, capping off each score with precision.
With a 49-0 lead at halftime, the Dragons rotated deep into their depth chart. Third-string quarterback Colton Cordell added the final touchdown on a quarterback keeper, sealing the 56-0 shutout.
Collierville (8-3) now turns its attention to the second round, where they’ll host a formidable Antioch (10-1) team on Friday, November 14. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Dragon Stadium inside the Landers SportsPlex.
