Playing a reserve role behind a pair of senior backs in 2021, Landry Carlton garnered only a handful of carries as a junior. But Wylie coach Clay Martin was confident coming into this season that the 5-foot-6, 160-pound senior was ready to carry a heavier load.

One game and one 100-yard performance later, Carlton is already proving that his coach’s faith was well placed.

Making his first start after rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown last season, Carlton ran for 124 yards on just 16 carries on Friday to help the Bulldogs to a 30-24 road win over Brownwood in their season opener. And that performance was only the beginning, if you ask Martin, who is excited to see what his senior back will do with the opportunity that he’s waited — and worked — so long to have.