State Championship Preview: Carthage Bulldogs vs. West Orange-Stark Mustangs

State Championship Preview: Carthage Bulldogs vs. West Orange-Stark Mustangs

Arlington, TX — Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 — The stage is set at AT&T Stadium as the Carthage Bulldogs (15-0) prepare to defend their state title in the UIL Class 4A-DII Championship Game against the West Orange-Stark Mustangs (12-3). Carthage arrives on the strength of an undefeated season and a dominant run through the playoffs, while West Orange-Stark has surged late with a 10-game winning streak to reach the biggest game of the year. 

Carthage: A Dynasty in Motion

Carthage enters the title game as the state’s top team and reigning defending champions. The Bulldogs are riding a 30-plus game winning streak and hunting for their 11th state championship in school history under veteran head coach Scott Surratt. 

Key strengths:

• Explosive ground game: Texas A&M commit KJ Edwards is a backfield force who consistently breaks big plays and controls the clock.
  
  

• Balanced attack: Senior quarterback Jett Surratt offers both arm and leadership, spreading the ball to multiple weapons and minimizing mistakes. Texas Football
  
  

• Defense with playmakers: Linebacker Carson Crawford and others help anchor a defense that creates turnovers and stops drives.
  
  

In their playoff semifinal, Carthage powered past Brock 49-21 behind balanced offensive execution and opportunistic defense. The Bulldogs built a commanding early lead and never relinquished control.

West Orange-Stark: The Challenger

West Orange-Stark arrives with momentum, having rebounded from early-season struggles to finish with a long winning streak. Their success has been built around a physical ground attack led by junior running back Khelvy Jefferson, whose burst and toughness keep defenses honest. 

The Mustangs also boast a defense capable of limiting explosive offenses — a crucial element in any championship game — and have shown they can rise to the occasion against tough competition. 

What to Watch

• Front-line battles: How Carthage’s offensive line handles West Orange-Stark’s defensive front will likely determine control of the line of scrimmage.
  
  

• Big-play potential: Both teams have athletes who can flip field position quickly — whether via explosive runs or game-changing tackles/interceptions.
  
  

• Turnover margin: In big games, protecting the ball is vital. The team that minimizes mistakes will have a clear advantage.
  
  

Prediction Factors

Carthage’s combination of elite talent, coaching continuity and championship experience gives them the edge. West Orange-Stark’s grit and recent momentum make them a dangerous opponent capable of an upset if everything clicks.