Carthage Bulldogs Set Their Sights on 11th State Title in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Carthage Bulldogs are no strangers to championship glory. Under the leadership of head coach Scott Surratt, the Bulldogs have built one of the most dominant dynasties in Texas high school football history. After capturing their 10th state title in 2024 with an emphatic win over Waco La Vega, Carthage enters the 2025 season with its sights firmly set on adding an 11th crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once again, the Bulldogs are armed with a roster full of top-tier talent, battle-tested leadership, and a relentless drive to uphold the program's winning tradition. From explosive playmakers on offense to physical enforcers on defense, Carthage looks primed to make another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["951798"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688ad2181d22e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A nationally recognized talent, Edwards is widely considered one of the best running backs in the country. His elite speed, vision, and breakaway ability make him a constant threat to score every time he touches the ball. In 2024, he rushed for 1,785 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 31 receptions for 382 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. His versatility, particularly as a pass catcher out of the backfield, makes him a perfect fit for modern offensive systems. Edwards' commitment to Texas A&amp;M cements his status as a premier back at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["950579"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688ad2181d285"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The field general of the Bulldogs' high-powered offense, Surratt delivered a phenomenal junior campaign in 2024, throwing for 3,378 yards and 53 touchdowns. He is a cerebral quarterback with outstanding field vision, timing, and touch, particularly on deep passes. His arm strength, poise in the pocket, and ability to make plays on the move make him a true dual-threat and a leader on the field. Surratt currently holds offers from Colorado State, Houston, UNLV, UTEP, and UTSA, with more likely to come as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1653186"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688ad2181d2ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crawford is another key cog in a Carthage defense stacked with talent. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he plays with a high motor, sharp instincts, and an aggressive mindset. He finished the 2024 season with 91 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks, showing his ability to disrupt plays both in the backfield and in coverage. His athleticism and football IQ make him a versatile defender and his commitment to Colorado highlights the national recognition he's received.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1649934"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688ad2181d315"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, Henderson brings elite size, length, and explosiveness to the Bulldogs' receiving corps. In 2024, he recorded 64 receptions for 1,085 yards and 18 touchdowns, regularly using his large catch radius and strong hands to make difficult grabs in traffic. His speed and vertical ability make him a true deep threat, capable of stretching the field and opening up the offense for his teammates. Henderson's commitment to Arkansas reflects his high upside and potential as a Power Four impact player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1454459"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688ad2181d35b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beck is the anchor of the Carthage defense and a relentless force at linebacker. Measuring 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, he combines sideline-to-sideline speed with elite instincts and toughness. In 2024, he was named the Defensive MVP in the state title game and finished the season with 102 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. Beck's physicality and leadership set the tone for the entire defensive unit, and his commitment to Texas A&amp;M is a testament to his high ceiling at the college level.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513841"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688ad2181d3a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Already making waves as an underclassman, [player_tooltip player_id='1513841' first='JD' last='Edwards'] is a name to remember. A dynamic two-way player, Edwards excels as a receiver thanks to his elusiveness and speed after the catch. He also contributes on defense, making plays in the secondary. With early offers from SMU and Texas A&amp;M, his trajectory is clearly on the rise, and he figures to play an increasingly important role for the Bulldogs this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->