Arlington, TX – After last season’s disappointing semi-final loss to Liberty Hill, 44-41, Carthage confided in its offseason program with stronger emphasis.
The performance and showmanship led the red and white to its final destination. An absence a year ago motivated the Bulldog players to reach its goal.
Proving to be one of the lone star top teams, Carthage trounced last year’s champion Waco La Vega, 42-28 in the Class 4A Division I finals on Friday night at AT&T Stadium.
The victory underlined the seventh title in 11 seasons for the Bulldogs.
Trailing LaVega, 14-7 with 9:13 left in the second quarter, triggered the Bulldogs (16-0) as it outscored the Pirates, 28-0.
LaVega (14-2) halted the run when it engineered a four-play, 80-yard drive highlighted by Elisha Cummings’ 58-yard scamper to the Carthage 12. Jar’Que Walton two carries finalized the possession on a two-yard scoring run, trimming the lead, 35-21 with 4:54 left in the third quarter.
However, the Bulldogs in front of 16,788 fans were relentless in its pursuit, marching 65-yards to regain its three-score lead. Mason Courtney’s one-yard carry made the score, 42-21, with 10:03 remaining.
The Pirates would score a late touchdown to pull within 42-28. Yet time became its biggest enemy.
Though the rushing yards resembled, LaVega held a 280-265 advantage. The Bulldogs passing attack racked up 231 to the Pirates 92 yards, which benefited Carthage’s quest. It also led in first downs, 22-19.
Kai Horton led the Bulldogs charge, passing for 231 yards on 16-22 attempts, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Courtney led all rushers with 229 yards on 30 carries. Kelvontay Dixon caught seven passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns.
LaVega opened the contest, scoring on its second possession of the game when Cummings found a seam, and 19 yards later, the Pirates led, 7-0 following the extra point kick.
The Bulldogs had a similar drive that saw Courtney knifed up the middle to the end zone from five yards out as Carthage tied the score at seven with 11:56 left in the second quarter.
LaVega continued its early dominance by progressing 87-yards as fans watched Cummings shed several defenders en route to his second touchdown of the day, a 15-yard run with 9:13 to go in the second quarter. That made the score 14-7.
Cummings carried the ball 15 times for 136 yards and two scores. Quarterback Landry Kinne finished 8-14-0 with 92 yards, and Malachi Wright had three receptions for 55 yards.
Bulldogs’ defense would stiffen after it tied the game at 14. It forced a turnover on downs, which led to its third touchdown drive of the evening.
Horton guided the Bulldogs on a 69-yard possession, throwing a four-yard scoring dart to star receiver Dixon, who bulled his way into the end zone from the two-yard line.
Outside of a great evening, Carthage suffered six penalties for 59-yards. On the other hand, the Pirates committed ten for 76 yards.
The second half featured more of the same.
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