Carthage Claims Back-to-Back State Championships

ARLINGTON, TX — The Carthage Bulldogs and the West Orange-Stark Mustangs faced off on Friday in the 4A-Div II State Championship at Cowboys' Stadium in Arlington to see who would bring home a state title. Carthage took advantage of explosive plays and good defense for the first three quarters to build an insurmountable lead before West Orange-Stark finally scored late in the 4th quarter. Carthage claimed the victory and back-to-back state championships, 49-21.

FINAL: Carthage 49 West Orange-Stark 21

1st Quarter

Carthage jumped out to a hot start early as the Bulldogs scored on the opening drive of the game. It took only two plays to get on the board. Senior running back KJ Edwards took a second-down carry 87 yards to the house to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.

The Mustangs looked to respond early—even finding offensive success. However, the 12-play drive came to an end at the Bulldogs' 17-yard line when the Mustangs failed a 4th and six attempt. Carthage took over with 5:33 remaining in the 1st quarter.

2nd Quarter

Neither team would score again until less than four minutes to play in the half. Carthage's second drive ended in a failed 4th down attempt deep in Mustangs' territory before West Orange-Stark punted the football back to the Bulldogs. Carthage then went on a 10-play, 51-yard drive for another touchdown. KJ Edwards scored his second touchdown of the afternoon on an 11-yard run to put the Bulldogs up 14-0.

The Bulldogs forced a quick three-and-out to give the ball back to their offense following the score. After the Mustangs punted, Carthage's Jett Surratt launched a deep ball to Junior Henderson for a 77-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs led 21-0 with 2:43 left in the 2nd quarter.

The Mustangs continued to struggle with Carthage's defense, punting the football back to the Bulldogs after only a single first down. Carthage took advantage of the final minute to score a final time before the half. Surratt hit Bryston Pierce for a 13-yard score to put the Bulldogs up 28-0 headed to the locker rooms.

3rd Quarter

The game went from bad to worse for the Mustangs to open the second half. After driving the ball to midfield, West Orange-Stark failed to convert on 3rd down. The Mustangs decided to punt, but Carthage's Tylin Williams blocked it. Williams sprinted after the loose football, scooped it up, and scored a touchdown. Carthage led 35-0 with 9:38 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

Another Mustang punt led to another Bulldog touchdown. West Orange-Stark forced a 4th and 15, but a defensive pass interference kept the drive alive. One play later, Surratt hit Cade Ross down the sideline for a 25-yard gain to the 1-yard line. The next play, Surratt hit Carson Crawford for another touchdown. Carthage led 42-0 with 4:34 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

4th Quarter

Carthage continued to pour it on in the 4th quarter. The Bulldogs’ Benny Smith exploded down the field with a 52-yard touchdown. Carthage led 49-0 midway through the 4th quarter.

It may have been garbage time at this point, but the Mustangs finally jumped on the board. West Orange-Stark scored three touchdowns in the final four minutes to pull within a more respectable distance. Carthage claimed victory, 49-21.