Horton

You sure about that. Carthage is big time loaded at all positions.

Forgot to add Coach Surratt and his staff makes players better than they ever thought they could be.

Coach Surratt at Carthage 9 state championships and never lost in state championship game 11 semi finals in 17 years Great defensive coordinator Great staff Great School support Great community All of the above produces a great program.

I watched Wimberley QB play last year in the state championship against my Dawgs, he had 44 yards passing. We beat them 42 to 0. They had a great team but our speed on both sides of the ball was to much for them.

There was no pressure when the Gilmer receivers were 35 yards down the field running by the DB’S and being over thrown. Bellville had 77 total yards in the second half. Great game by both teams. Sorry facts hurt your feelings.

Carthage is now in Region 3 and Gilmer in Region 2 Hope for a rematch in Jerry’s House in 2024.

The good thing Carthage has 18 starters coming back. The entire D line will be 3 year starters, all 3 linebackers and two in the secondary. The Dawgs started 10 sophomores ( very talented sophomores) QB as a sophomore threw for 3,800 yards, 44 touchdowns with 6 interceptions, sophomore RB with many DI offers including Georgia and Texas. All three D linemen with offers, and super talented sophomore linebackers over 6ft and 200 pounds , 3 O linemen coming back, 2 wide receivers and a very special sophomore full back. The Dawgs will be right back in the hunt in 2024.

It appears all us jabber mouths know what we’re talking about. If the Gilmer QB had thrown the ball like he did against Carthage it would have been a blow out. Belleville had no one that could run with the Gilmer receivers. Gilmer played the best 4A had to offer in East Texas and was well prepared for a team that could only run the ball. To win state championships in 4A you have to run and throw equally well. Belleville was a darn good team but they were only challenged two times in Jasper and Wimberly neither of which could throw the ball. Gilmer’s defense got better every game and their coaches had them ready for Bellevilles run game. If Gilmer leaves a safety back instead of everyone on the lie of scrimmage, not sure if Belleville scores two of their touchdowns. Gilmer coaches did an excellent job planning for number 99. He was no factor stopping Henderson. All he needed was a step and no one was going to catch him. East Texas speed is what Gilmer brought to the game. The Gilmer QB had a bad day throwing the ball. He never missed a receiver against Carthage. Throwing dimes 40 yards down the field. Our secondary got eaten alive. Congrats to Belleville and Gilmer for outstanding seasons and a great ball game.

99 is a man among boys but 72, 54, and 71 are outstanding 72 has 17 sacks and tackles for loss. Not many D linemen can say that. 54 is not far behind him in that category. If Carthage makes it that far. Surratt will scheme for him.

Carthage D line is the best in 4A and can stop Belleville running attack. Not saying if they meet that Belleville can’t beat a very young Dawg team, but they better be able to throw the ball.

PG was loaded with 8 DI players and a very heavy senior loaded team. They had every chance to win this game. The Dawgs turned the ball over 4 times, dropped several passes for possible touchdowns, the young sophomore secondary on both PG touch down passes gave up on the coverage because they thought the PG QB was sacked. P G QB got loose and threw both passes with no defender in 15 yards. Once Surratt and Preston made adjustments in the second half, PG scored 3 points. The Dawg front seven dominated mid third and fourth quarter. PG got out coached in second half and could adjust to stop Carthage. It was one heck of a ball game. some on here will pick Belleville but remember this. The Dawg front seven is built to stop the run. Belleville will not push the Dawg D line off the ball and the three linebackers are all over 6ft and 200 pounds and leads the team in tackles and sacks. Not saying Belleville can’t beat this very young Dawg team but if this game happens, Belleville better be able to throw the ball. Surratt and Preston will find Bellevilles weakness.

4 turnovers is why it was not a blowout. You saw what happens if Carthage does not turn the ball over when they played Wimberley. PG can beat Carthage if they commit turnovers. Coach Surratt and Preston will have the Dawgs well prepared for PG.

PG lost their starting center and linebacker and they start 7 players both ways. Here is more info to think about. The Dawg defensive D line is the best in both 4A DI and DII. The Dawg defense has held 8 of the 12 teams to minus rushing yards in the first half. PG starting tackles weigh 190 soaking wet and will be going up against two 300 hundred pounders that are super strong and super quick that started all 16 games last year as sophomores. The third D lineman also a stated 16 games last year as a sophomore and has several DI offers. The three Dawg linebackers two sophomores and one junior are 1, 2, and 3 in sacks and tackles. One sophomore linebackers leads the team in tackles and has 17 sacks. Dawg sophomore QB has thrown 35 touchdown passes and 3500 yards. KJ Edwards sophomore running back has many DI offers and just received an offer from Georgia. playing 7 players both ways which includes their QB will not work against a big strong O line and D line. just food for thought for you that have not seen Carthage play. Dawg Starters are always pulled early in the 3rd quarter Coach Surratt will never run a score up on any team. Last game in district Liberty Eylau played PG within one score. The next week Carthage played Liberty Eylau in the first playoff game and Liberty had 33 total yards for the game when starters were pulled. Last week Van Alstyne had minus total yards when starters pulled 2 minutes in the 3rd quarter.

When you see Carthage Front seven The absolute best D line in all of 4A DI or DII. The Dawg linebackers are bigger than PG tackles. PG plays 7 players both ways including the QB. The Dawgs our big strong and dominant on both the O line and D line. The Defense has held 8 of the 12 teams to minus rushing yards in the first half. Let that sink in minus rushing yards in the first half. There are on two seniors on the defense. PG is outstanding and will be the second best team behind Kilgore the Dawgs have faced.

Carthage 42 LE 0 LE had 33 total yards when starters were pulled 2 minutes into the 3rd quarter.