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Carthage Wins 10th State Championship

Class 4A Division II State Championship Game

Carthage Bulldogs Capture 10th State Title Under Coach Scott Surratt with 28-14 Victory Over Waco La Vega

Arlington, TX — The Carthage Bulldogs etched their names further into Texas high school football history with a resounding 28-14 victory over the Waco La Vega Pirates in the Class 4A Division I State Championship game at AT&T Stadium on Friday. The win marked the Bulldogs’ 10th state title under head coach Scott Surratt, solidifying Carthage’s reputation as a powerhouse program.

First Half Action

Carthage took control early in the second quarter, with running back Kelwin Edwards breaking through for a 21-yard touchdown run. Kicker Leo Medrano’s extra point gave the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead. La Vega responded later in the quarter with Kourtney Parr’s 1-yard touchdown run, capping a six-play, 60-yard drive to tie the game at 7-7. However, Edwards electrified the crowd with an 86-yard touchdown sprint on the ensuing possession, reclaiming a 14-7 lead for Carthage.

Defensive Dominance and Offensive Precision

After a scoreless third quarter, Carthage extended their lead in the fourth with quarterback Jett Surratt connecting with Junior Henderson for a pair of touchdown passes — a 24-yard strike and a 19-yard reception, putting the Bulldogs up 28-7. Although La Vega managed a late touchdown with Jayven Hernandez’s 4-yard run, it was too little, too late.

The Bulldogs’ defense was relentless, recording seven sacks for a loss of 52 yards and holding La Vega to just 3.4 yards per play. Defensive standouts included Carson Crawford with 2.5 sacks and Daquives Beck, who contributed one sack and 10 total tackles.

Individual Standouts

  • Carthage (15-1):
    • Kelwin Edwards: 18 carries, 188 yards, 2 TDs; 1 reception for 5 yards
    • Jett Surratt: 8 completions on 23 attempts, 112 yards, 2 TDs
    • Junior Henderson: 4 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TDs
    • Carson Crawford: 9 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss
  • La Vega (12-4):
    • Bryson Roland: 20 carries, 94 yards; 3 receptions, 13 yards
    • Kourtney Parr: 8 completions on 19 attempts, 73 yards, 1 INT; 10 carries, -29 yards, 1 TD
    • Jayven Hernandez: 2 completions on 4 attempts, 63 yards; 4 carries, 12 yards, 1 TD
    • James Degrate: 4 receptions, 60 yards

Team Statistics

  • Carthage: 305 total yards (193 rushing, 112 passing)
  • La Vega: 208 total yards (72 rushing, 136 passing)
  • Time of Possession: Carthage – 18:27; La Vega – 29:33

Drives Summary

Carthage’s efficient scoring drives included an 86-yard dash from Edwards and two methodical touchdown drives engineered by Surratt. La Vega’s offensive highlights included a 60-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter and a late 79-yard march in the fourth.

Legacy Secured

The Bulldogs' 10th championship under Scott Surratt cements his legacy as one of the greatest high school coaches in Texas. With a blend of talent, preparation, and execution, Carthage continues to set the gold standard for success in Texas high school football.

Offensive MVP:  Kelvin Edwards (Carthage)
Defensive MVP:  Daquives Beck (Carthage)

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