Carthage Bulldogs Face West Orange-Stark in High-Stakes Texas State Championship Showdown

The Carthage Bulldogs are chasing history. They face the West Orange-Stark Mustangs for the UIL Class 4A Division II football state title. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. This marks Carthage’s seventh championship appearance this decade alone.

The Bulldogs enter with a perfect 16-0 record. They are the defending champions. According to high school sports analysts, a win would give Carthage its 11th all-time state title. That would move them closer to the state record.

Dynasty Seeks Another Crown Against Resurgent Mustangs

Carthage’s dynasty is remarkable. All ten of their state titles have come since 2008 under head coach Scott Surratt. Last year, they defeated Waco La Vega 28-14. Quarterback Jett Surratt is nearing 10,000 career passing yards.

Star running back KJ Edwards, a Texas A&M signee, averages nearly 14 yards per carry. The defense is anchored by elite linebackers. Texas A&M signee Qui Beck and Colorado commit Carson Crawford lead a formidable unit.

West Orange-Stark presents a tough challenge. The Mustangs started the season 2-3 but have won ten consecutive games. They avenged an early loss to Waco La Vega in the playoffs. Their run to Arlington is a story of resilience.

Key Matchups and Broadcast Details for Fans

The Mustangs’ offense relies heavily on junior running back Khelvy Jefferson. He has rushed for over 2,300 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. The Carthage defense will focus on stopping him above all else.

This is West Orange-Stark’s first state final since 2017. They hold a 4-4 record in previous championship games. The teams last met in the 2013 playoffs, a game Carthage won 28-14 en route to a title.

Fans can watch the action live and for free. The broadcast will be available online through the Victory+ app. The game promises to be a classic Texas high school football finale.

This Texas high school football state championship features two powerhouse programs with contrasting journeys. The Carthage Bulldogs aim to solidify their dynasty, while the West Orange-Stark Mustangs fight to complete a stunning turnaround.

Info at your fingertips

What time is the Carthage vs. West Orange-Stark game?

The Class 4A DII state championship game starts at 3 p.m. Central Time on Friday. It will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

How can I watch the Texas state championship game?

Viewers can watch the game for free online. It will be streamed live through the Victory+ application on various devices.

What is Carthage’s record in state championship games?

Carthage has won 10 state titles. Their first championship win came in 2008. They are the defending Class 4A DII champions from 2023.

Who is the key player for West Orange-Stark?

Junior running back Khelvy Jefferson is the engine of the Mustangs’ offense. He has rushed for over 2,300 yards and scored 34 touchdowns this season.

How many career touchdowns does Jett Surratt have?

Carthage quarterback Jett Surratt has thrown for 136 career touchdowns. He needs 88 passing yards in the final to reach 10,000 for his career.

What was West Orange-Stark’s regular season record?

The Mustangs finished the regular season with a 7-3 record. They have since won five playoff games to reach the state final with a 12-3 overall mark.