Arlington, TX, December 20, 2025
The Carthage Bulldogs delivered a commanding performance to capture the Class 4A Division II state championship. They defeated the West Orange-Stark Mustangs with a decisive 49-21 score at AT&T Stadium, concluding their undefeated season at 16-0. KJ Edwards shone as the Offensive MVP, while Tylin Williams earned Defensive MVP honors. This victory marks the Bulldogs’ 11th state title, solidifying their dominance in Texas high school football under Coach Scott Surratt.
Houston, TX –
Carthage Dominates for 4A-II State Championship
In a powerful display of talent and tenacity, the Carthage Bulldogs secured the Class 4A Division II state championship, showcasing the peak of Texas high school football and the rewards of unwavering discipline.
The state championship game, a marquee event in the Texas high school football calendar, drew significant attention as two formidable teams clashed. For fans across the state, including those passionate about Houston TX high school football, this contest represented the culmination of months of dedication, strategic play, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. High school sports are more than just games; they are foundational experiences that shape young athletes, instilling values like teamwork, resilience, and personal responsibility that extend far beyond the gridiron, building character that lasts a lifetime.
Bulldogs Crowned Champions in Arlington Showdown
On Friday, December 19, 2025, at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the Carthage Bulldogs overpowered the West Orange-Stark Mustangs with a decisive 49-21 victory in the Class 4A Division II state championship game. This monumental win not only crowned Carthage as state champions but also marked their 11th state title in school history, all achieved under the guidance of Head Coach Scott Surratt. The Bulldogs completed an undefeated season, finishing with an impressive 16-0 record, a testament to their consistent performance and collective effort throughout the year.
Carthage’s Commanding Performance
Carthage asserted its dominance from the outset, scoring early and often to control the game. The team built a substantial lead, reaching 49-0 before West Orange-Stark managed to put points on the board. This offensive explosion was led by standout performances from key players. Running back KJ Edwards, a Texas A&M signee, was named the Offensive MVP for his exceptional play, contributing 153 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. His electrifying 87-yard touchdown run on the very first offensive play of the game set the tone for Carthage’s commanding victory. Edwards’ postseason efforts were remarkable, with over 1,000 rushing yards in the playoffs and surpassing 2,000 yards for the entire season.
Quarterback Jett Surratt also delivered a stellar performance, completing 20 of 28 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. His critical passes included a 77-yard touchdown to Junior Henderson and a 13-yard touchdown to Bryston Price, further extending Carthage’s lead. On the defensive side, Tylin Williams earned the Defensive MVP honors, tallying 11 tackles and making a significant impact by blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown. The Bulldogs’ defense was instrumental in stifling West Orange-Stark’s offense for the majority of the game, showcasing their discipline and strategic execution.
West Orange-Stark’s Resilient Journey
Despite the final score, the West Orange-Stark Mustangs demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination throughout their season. Their journey to the state championship game was a narrative of overcoming challenges, as they finished with a 12-4 record. The Mustangs made their first championship appearance since 2017 and showed immense heart in their playoff run. After a challenging 2-3 start to their season, the team rallied with an impressive 10-game winning streak, securing their place in the state finals.
West Orange-Stark’s points, all 21 of them, came in the final five minutes of the game, reflecting their commitment to never give up, even when facing a significant deficit. Quarterback Kwalin Dugas contributed three touchdown passes in these late stages, while running back Khelvy Jefferson led the team’s rushing efforts with 121 yards on 25 carries, proving his status as the program’s all-time leading rusher. West Orange-Stark Head Coach Hiawatha Hickman expressed pride in his team’s journey, emphasizing that the loss was “part of the journey” and that the “future is bright” for the program. He highlighted the team’s ability to overcome doubts and perform as underdogs, a true testament to their collective spirit and hard work.
A Legacy of Excellence and Community Pride
Carthage’s victory solidified their reputation as a true dynasty in Texas high school football. With 11 state titles, all under Coach Scott Surratt, he has now achieved his 250th career win and holds the record for the most state championships by any coach in Texas history. This consistent success is a powerful example of the long-term benefits of strong leadership, dedicated coaching, and persistent effort from athletes. Such achievements foster immense school pride and strengthen community identity, as local businesses, families, and fans unite to support their teams. The vibrant atmosphere surrounding these state-level contests generates significant fan engagement, creating market-driven opportunities for local sponsorships and bolstering the overall community spirit around high school athletics.
The 2025 Class 4A Division II State Championship game was a showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. While Carthage celebrated an undeniable triumph, West Orange-Stark’s season served as an inspiring narrative of resilience and growth. These contests exemplify the character-building power of high school sports, demonstrating how dedication, teamwork, and personal responsibility lead to opportunities for success both on and off the field.
For more stories on Texas high school football and other local sports, keep following HEREHouston.com. We encourage our readers to attend local games, support athletic programs, and celebrate the incredible young athletes who represent our communities with such pride and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Carthage vs. West Orange-Stark state championship game take place?
- The game took place on Friday, December 19, 2025.
- Where was the state championship game held?
- The state championship game was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- What was the final score of the Carthage vs. West Orange-Stark game?
- Carthage defeated West Orange-Stark with a final score of 49-21.
- Who was named the Offensive MVP for Carthage?
- Running back KJ Edwards was named the Offensive MVP for Carthage.
- How many state championships has Carthage won under Coach Scott Surratt?
- Carthage has won 11 state championships under Coach Scott Surratt.
- What was West Orange-Stark’s season record?
- West Orange-Stark finished the season with a 12-4 record.
Key Features of the 2025 Class 4A Division II State Championship
| Feature | Detail (State-level) |
|---|---|
| Winning Team | Carthage Bulldogs |
| Runner-Up | West Orange-Stark Mustangs |
| Final Score | Carthage 49, West Orange-Stark 21 |
| Venue | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| Carthage’s State Titles | 11th state championship |
| Carthage Coach | Scott Surratt (Record for most state titles by a coach in Texas history) |
| Offensive MVP | KJ Edwards (Carthage Running Back) |
| Defensive MVP | Tylin Williams (Carthage Defensive Back) |
| West Orange-Stark QB | Kwalin Dugas |
| West Orange-Stark RB | Khelvy Jefferson (Program’s all-time leading rusher) |
| Carthage Season Record | Undefeated 16-0 |
| West Orange-Stark Season Record | 12-4 |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
