Carthage Bulldogs return to practice field in quest for 9th state title

CARTHAGE, Texas (KTRE) - The Carthage Bulldogs joined the rest of the state’s 4A-1A schools in returning to the practice field for fall camp on Monday and their goal is simple.

No, it is not win state. That is a goal they believe their daily goal will help them achieve. Their goal for day 1 of practice was simple; get better.

“We worry bout state on that day,” head coach Scott Surratt said. “If we worry too much about that day we will not get to that day. We talk about that day but we try not to think about it too much.”

If Carthage can play at AT&T Stadium in late December and win, it would be the school’s ninth state title and their third in a row.

““There is always pressure. Our goal is to always win the big one’ senior offensive lineman Zachary Carlisle said. “Win a state championship and go all the way. There is that pressure but we are used to it.”

The defense is solid with linebacker Kip Lewis, committed to the University of Oklahoma, coming back. The defense was stellar. Carthage never trailed last year once they entered the second quarter.

“It is high expectations but it is easy to just easy to go out and do what you do and play at 110 percent,” Lewis said. “They are going to get a fierce competitor that will come at you every down.”

Offense will have some holes to fill with quarterback Kai Horton and running back Mason Courtney now at Tulane.

“We have great coaches on both sides of the ball,” Surratt said. We will coach them up. “We have a lot of talent to take over for the guys we lost. I think we will be fine.”

Carthage will start their season Thursday, Aug. 26 vs Crosby in New Caney. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Carthage football schedule.

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