Little love for the Carthage Bulldogs

[pirate4state]

Offensive line powers prolific Carthage offense

By GABRIEL D. BROOKS
Thursday, December 18, 2008

CARTHAGE — Carthage's offense averages about 44 points per game, including a 47.6 mark in five playoff contests. Quarterback Si'Darius Blackshire has assaulted the passing records he set as a junior in 2007, while running back Dwight Smith has re-written the single-season rushing record book at Carthage.

None of it would be possible without an offensive line that head coach Scott Surratt calls "dominating."

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/03/50/90/image_8090503.jpg
Michael Cavazos/News-Journal Photo
Carthage offensive guard Cutter Clinton goes through blocking drills at practice Wednesday.

"They're very intelligent, No. 1, and very talented, No. 2," Surratt said. "They never miss assignment and play extremely hard every play."

Center Kendrick Henderson, guards Casey O'Bryan and Cutter Clinton, tackles Logan Bradstreet and Jerod Odom and tight end Trevor Murphy have opened holes and created the pocket for Carthage's skill players to put big numbers on the scoreboard. Smith averages 11.9 yards per carry, while Blackshire has completed more than 60 percent of his passes because of the time he gets to throw. Blackshire has rarely been touched most of the season.

The strong front-line play won't end after Friday night at Texas Stadium in Carthage's Class 3A Division II state championship against Celina. O'Bryan is the unit's only senior, giving the Bulldogs at least another season of dominant blocking.

Most of this year's group started as sophomores last season, including Murphy, who played fullback instead of tight end.

"We were playing great football in the line last year from probably Game 7 on," Surratt said. "(Murphy) gives us a lot of options. He's a great receiver and blocker. He's a pro-style tight end."

The blocking isn't exclusive to the big men up front. Check Carthage's perimeter and one finds several more eager blockers, such as receivers Joe Jones and Jarvin Robinson. Fullbacks J.J. Moseley and Neketrian Pipkins have had plenty to do with the success of the Bulldogs' balanced offense.

Two of Smith's five touchdown runs against Giddings last week were shining examples of receivers' willingness to block. Jones drove a Giddings cornerback downfield like a one-man sled on Smith's 22-yarder to start the game. Receivers opened up a huge hole on the second-half, right-side pitch that saw Smith explode through for a 70-yard score.

"It's the best group of blocking receivers I've ever had," Surratt said. "The whole team has bought into whatever play we call. They're doing exactly what they're coached to do."

Henderson head coach Dickey Meeks saw Carthage's offensive line in early September and knew opponents were in for trouble.

"I think that's one of the biggest assets they have," Meeks said of the Bulldog offensive line. "That's what coach Surratt talked about being a strong point for them starting the year."

Meeks has coached against Carthage teams dating to the late 1980s when he was at Chapel Hill. Meeks said the 1991 state finalist Bulldogs and today's team are similar, except for one aspect.

"The big difference is the ability to throw. You have to have a little better pass-blocking scheme," Meeks said. "They relied on the run so heavily then. It's a double-edged sword now for somebody that plays them. If you're not careful with the running back, he's going to get you. If you get your players up there to stop him, the passing game will get you."

As for the offensive line, four of the five starters prefer run blocking. Henderson dissented, saying he believes pass blocking lends to his strengths.

No matter what plays Carthage calls Friday night, Surratt is convinced the beef up front is ready.

"You always expect them to play well, but they're playing at a level you just don't ever know they're going to get to," Surratt said. "They're not maxed out. We don't feel like they're at their best yet. We're hoping for their best Friday night."


LINK (http://www.news-journal.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2008/12/18/12182008_carthagefeature.html)

[bobcat1]

Sounds like I am going to miss some good line play. Oh well Terry will describe it to me I bet. :D

[pirate4state]

Carthage rolls into title game

By GABRIEL D. BROOKS
Sunday, December 14, 2008

CORSICANA - The Class 3A Division II state championship will be a fight between Cats and Dogs.

Carthage senior Dwight Smith carried 22 times for 298 yards and five touchdowns as the Bulldogs stampeded over the option-oriented Giddings Buffaloes in a 41-14 win. Carthage advances to the state championship against the Celina Bobcats, who hammered two-time defending state champion Liberty Hill 40-12.

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/03/98/75/image_8075983.jpg
Michael Cavazos/News-Journal Photo
Carthage's Dwight Smith follows his blockers during Saturday's playoff game against Giddings at Tiger Stadium in Corsicana. The Bulldogs rolled to a 41-14 victory, advancing the the Class 3A Division II state championship game against Celina.

The title game will be played Friday at Texas Stadium in Irving, beginning at 8 p.m.

The state title berth is Carthage's second all-time and first since 1991, when the Bulldogs lost to College Station A&M Consolidated 35-16 and finished 15-1. The Carthage vs. Celina matchup will be at a site and time to be determined.

Giddings entered Saturday's game knowing it couldn't allow Carthage to score early and often. The Bulldogs did just that.

Carthage scored on its first four possessions, building a 28-14 halftime lead. Giddings assembled two strong scoring drives, including a seven-minute drive on its first possession.

But as the game progressed, the Bulldogs solved the Buffaloes' triple-option puzzle. Giddings rushed 31 times for 195 yards in the first half, but finished with 303 yards on 60 attempts. Carthage held Giddings to a 4-for-12 third-down conversion performance, while the Bulldogs were 6-for-9.

The Buffaloes did not attempt a pass.

With a stiff wind affecting Carthage's ability to throw the ball, Smith became the workhorse for the second straight week. Smith, who was done at the 10:17 mark of the fourth quarter, scored on runs of 22, 13, 61, 70 and 2. Carthage receiver Joe Jones mauled a Giddings cornerback on Smith's 22-yard score, and Bulldog blockers parted a black sea of Giddings uniforms on the right-side pitch that saw Smith sprint for 70.

Smith fell 36 yards shy of tying Kris Briggs' school single-game rushing record. In five playoff games, Smith has 1,068 yards and 18 touchdowns on 92 carries. He enters the championship game with 2,549 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Bulldog quarterback Si'Darius Blackshire finished 5-for-10 for 39 yards. Blackshire scored Carthage's other touchdown on a 1-yard run.

The Bulldogs racked up 380 rushing yards on 37 attempts as Jarvin Robinson chipped in 35 yards on two jet sweeps. O'Bryan Washington carried eight times for 29 yards, while Jalen Claiborne caught two passes for 23 yards.

Cory Brite had 15 carries for 108 yards to lead Giddings, while quarterback Trey Masek had 93 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Carthage shut down Giddings' leading rusher, Eric Rimes, who had 39 yards and one score on 14 attempts.




LINK (http://www.news-journal.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2008/12/14/12142008_carthagefootball.html)

[Bullaholic]

LOL, P4S--When I first read the thread title I thought you were trying to say that you had little love for Carthage----you sly ol' board veteran---nice job of getting everybody to view your thread. :D

Not trying to take the light away from Carthage, but as I read this article I was struck by the similarity of much of the syntax that was used by other writers earlier in the season to describe this year's Bulls team. Carthage appears to be as they are advertised---should be a tussle with Celina.

[pirate4state]

I sure did forget the "A"! Oh well....I wasn't trying to be sly, sorry to disappoint.

[Bullaholic]

Originally posted by pirate4state
I sure did forget the "A"! Oh well....I wasn't trying to be sly, sorry to disappoint.

You're always surprising---never disppointing, P4S---although you are getting more ornery.....how can I say this gracefully......uh, as you advance in years. :D :inlove:

[pirate4state]

Originally posted by Bullaholic
You're always surprising---never disppointing, P4S---although you are getting more ornery.....how can I say this gracefully......uh, as you advance in years. :D :inlove: My tolerance level for BullStuff is at an all time low!

[bobcat1]

n/m

[Twirling Time]

Keep up the Carthage love! I know just about jack about them.

I don't know anything other than what the Bobcat coaches say about every team they face: They're the best defense Celina will face all year, they flat get after it, and they base out of a 4-3 but will walk a lineman up to make a 5-2 look.:p

[pirate4state]

Most of the stories on this website have alot of homer in 'em, so try to take them with a grain of salt! haha

There are several "stories" you can read using the link at the bottom. :nerd:


Dawgs are headed to State

This is the game that every high school football athlete dreams about, the State Championship game. The Class 3A Division II championship game between the Carthage Bulldogs (13-2) and the Celina Bobcats (12-3) will be played in Texas Stadium, Friday night. This will mark the 555 and final high school playoff contest at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Long local Bulldog football fan, Bob Browning, said in 1991 Carthage won more games in Texas Stadium than the Cowboys. He also said in 1950, the Bulldogs opened their season playing Irving High School in Texas Stadium. Celina has won 8 state championships; ’74, ’95, ’98, ’99, ’00, ’01, ’05, ’07. They have played in 25 consecutive playoff games. Celina is 5-0 all-time at Texas Stadium, including last year’s 21-14 state championship victory over China Spring. The Bobcats advanced to the finals with a win over Liberty Hill, 40-12; and the Carthage Bulldogs advance to the finals with a 41-14 win Saturday night over Giddings in Corsicana.

Tradition, records, and trophies are great, but come Friday night, all that stuff means nothing when these two schools strap-on their helmets to go head to head. Celina will play a 10-1 defense and stack the line to stop the Carthage running attack. The Bobcats have a middle linebacker Caleb Lavey, who is a hoss. He is one of the best in the State. He will try to punish Carthage’s ball carriers every chance he gets. Next, Celina will jam the Bulldogs’ receivers at the line to try and break up their timing on their pass patterns. They will blitz Si’ Blackshire and try to make him hurry his throws, but then they will realize the Bulldogs have one more thing they have never seen. Blackshire (6’1’’, 215) is one of the best quarterbacks in Texas. He is the leader of the Bulldogs offense. Coach Scott Surratt has taught him how to read and pick defenses apart single handedly. Bulldogs’ receivers like Joe Jones, Jarvin Robinson, Ed Pope, Jalen Claiborne, Trevor Murphy, and Gary Nutt, will do everything they can to catch Blackshire’s bullets and bombs he launches. Now as he takes care of the passing attack, Blackshire relies on running back Dwight Smith to take care of the ground attack. Smith (6’1’’, 220) is one of the best running backs in the State with his blazing speed. Defenses have tried to stop this kid, but have not succeeded. He’s fast and will hit you like a freight train. Much credit must be given to those kids who block for these scorers. The Bulldogs offensive linemen are very well coached and are the top 3A offensive linemen around. The leader of the O-line is Cutter Clinton accompanied by Casey O’Bryan, Logan Bradstreet, Jerod Odom, and Kendrick Henderson.

Now as far as the Bobcats offensive attack, they run the spread. They lost their quarterback from last year, but this year’s quarterback is pretty good. They rely on their ground game the most, but they can throw the ball, so expect that. Celina has two excellent running backs, Charley Waldrep and Troy McCartney, who will man their ground attack. The Dawgs’ defense, though, is arguably the best all around defense in Texas. The defense has only allowed an average of 230 total yards per game, while only giving up an average of 15.6 points per game behind leader linebackers Caleb Pope (5’10’’, 210) and Kyle Deaton (5-9, 185). Outside linebacker Kendall Thompson, punishes quarterbacks who like to scramble. In the trenches, the Dawgs have Dale Jones, Leontay Webb, Trekevian McKee, and the defense centers around their defensive tackle over the center, DeShun Williams (6’, 270). If the Bobcats try to air it out, look out for the Dawgs’ secondary. With Cortlyn Ware and Jarvin Robinson torturing receivers, Cardarius Patterson and Anthony Morgan are quarterback’s nightmares. This secondary is very well coached to react when the ball is in the air.

This game will be between two great schools looking to bring the State trophy home. Coach Surratt was asked what he told his players this week as he prepared them for this big game. He said, “I told our players this will be a mental game. We have to win this game mentally first. And for all you seniors, this is your last shot.” All those two-a-day practices have paid off for the Bulldogs, as they play in their second state title game.

Carthage’s players and coaches have worked hard each week of the season since August, day in and day out, to get to this point. Experience doesn’t mean anything; you have to have heart, and the Carthage Bulldogs have plenty of heart to go around. The Bulldogs have been overlooked all through the playoffs, but now who is sitting in the stands or at home watching or listening to the radio about how they have made it to State.

Go Dawgs; bring that title home.



LINK (http://www.panolawatchman.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=142&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=8218&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2100&hn=panolawatchman&he=.com)

[marler1972]

Originally posted by pirate4state
[i][color=yellow]


He also said in 1950, the Bulldogs opened their season playing Irving High School in Texas Stadium. LINK[/URL]

That weird Texas Stadium was not around in 1950. They must have played in the pasture where Texas Stadium now stands.

[charlesrixey]

Originally posted by marler1972
That weird Texas Stadium was not around in 1950. They must have played in the pasture where Texas Stadium now stands.

texas stadium opened in 1970, right?

so what did we learn from this story?

it is against the law to label smith as anything other than a 'freight train'

experience doesn't mean anything in this game

carthage has been overlooked all playoffs

carthage played irving high in texas stadium in 1950

carthage's defense is probably the best in the state

celina has played in 25 consecutive playoff games (?--interesting word play on the win streak!)

[pirate4state]

Maybe he has fat fingers and hit the 5 instead of the 7? Who knows?

I was just trying to pass along some info on the Carthage Bulldogs since it's a little one sided on our board.

[charlesrixey]

Originally posted by pirate4state
Maybe he has fat fingers and hit the 5 instead of the 7? Who knows?

I was just trying to pass along some info on the Carthage Bulldogs since it's a little one sided on our board.


that's okay

i've spent most of the week over at smoaky listening to their incredibly unbiased and realistic ideas about the game

[Orange Defense]

Originally posted by charlesrixey
that's okay

i've spent most of the week over at smoaky listening to their incredibly unbiased and realistic ideas about the game


HA HA HA!!!! Now that's a FUNNY post rat ther bo!!!:fnypost:

[MN95]

He also said we run a spread offense? Maybe sometimes, I guess.

[coachkiss]

Dang it. We are in trouble. I see that they have a lot of heart. With all of that talent they described, plus heart, we are in for a whipping like you've never seen.

[pirate4state]

Glad you're finally catching on coachkiss.

[coachkiss]

It takes a while, I'm from Celina.

[Twirling Time]

CARTHAGE BULLDOGS

YEAR W-L-T PTS-OPP COACH
1924 0-2-0 xx- xx
1925 1-1-1 xx- xx
1926 4-1-0 xx- xx
1927 5-1-0 xx- xx
1928 2-3-1 xx- xx
1929 1-7-2 49- 72
1930 3-4-1 xx- xx W.D. Garrett
1931 3-3-3 77- 53
1932 2-2-2 xx- xx E.B. Morrison
1933 5-4-1 158-118
1934 3-6-1 62-138
1935 1-5-2 xx- xx Clyde Carter
1936 6-3-1 126- 64 C.A. Ethredge
1937 3-6-1 65-104
1938 4-2-2 xx- xx
1939 4-5-0 71- 40
1940 4-5-1 94-152
1941 3-6-0 84-247
1942 5-3-0 144- 50 Horace Hartsell
1943 •6-2-1 142-121
1944 •6-4-0 168-108 Johnny Keith
1945 8-2-0 248- 55
1946 •8-2-1 314- 98
1947 •8-3-0 242- 82 George Bounds
1948 4-4-2 187-206 George Bounds
1949 4-6-0 161-190 George Bounds
1950 8-2-0 228- 91 George Bounds
1951 7-3-0 247-128 George Bounds
1952 7-3-0 236-153 George Bounds
1953 7-3-0 236- 86 Ralph Murff
1954 •10-1-2# 342- 97 Ralph Murff
1955 7-3-0 271- 76 Ralph Murff
1956 5-5-0 176- 97 Ralph Murff
1957 TRI 8-1-0 266- 70 Ralph Murff
1958 •11-0-1# 366- 59 Ralph Murff
1959 3-6-0 154-156 J.E. Willis
1960 7-3-0 200-117 J.E. Willis
1961 •8-2-1 208-111 J.E. Willis
1962 6-4-0 160-141 J.E. Willis
1963 4-5-1 143-145 J.E. Willis
1964 1-9-0 78-227 Phil Koonce
1965 4-6-0 95-156 Phil Koonce
1966 8-2-0 179- 79 Phil Koonce
1967 6-4-0 208-111 Phil Koonce
1968 3-7-0 159-301 Phil Koonce
1969 2-7-1 91-127 Phil Koonce
1970 4-6-0 112-130 Bill Brasher
1971 3-6-1 185-170 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1972 3-7-0 129-238 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1973 2-7-1 145-261 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1974 3-7-0 142-172 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1975 6-4-0 114- 99 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1976 4-5-1 154-171 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1977 4-6-0 126- 90 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1978 •11-1-0# 326-110 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1979 •9-2-0 277-112 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1980 5-4-1 128-167 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1981 8-2-0 279-121 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1982 •9-2-1 238-130 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1983 •11-3-0 348-163 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1984 •9-2-1 238-130 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1985 •9-3-1 313-180 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1986 6-3-1 155-127 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1987 5-5-0 96-135 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1988 4-5-1 118-132 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1989 5-5-0 168-141 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1990 •8-3-1 R 299-134 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1991 •15-1-0# 507-170 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1992 TRI 9-1-0 304-154 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1993 •8-3-0 R 264-127 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1994 •8-3-0 237-135 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1995 2-8-0 108-162 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1996 •8-4-0 R 317-182 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1997 •7-4-0 R 346-169 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1998 •8-4-0TH 320-263 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
1999 5-5-0 263-286 Everett (Sleepy) Reynolds
2000 1-9-0 161-310 Charles Lafall
2001 1-9-0 96-269 Charles Lafall
2002 TRI *7-5-0 R 270-167 Charles Lafall
2003 *8-4-0R 360-293 Benny Mitchell
2004 6-4-0 315-286 Benny Mitchell
2005 *7-5-0TH 327-206 Mike Bickham
BY DECADES W-L-T P-C-S
1924-29 13-15-4 0- 0- 0
1930-39 34-40-14 0- 0- 0
1940-49 56-37-5 4- 4- 0
1950-59 73-27-3 2- 3- 0
1960-69 49-49-3 1- 1- 0
1970-79 49-51-3 2- 2- 0
1980-89 71-34-6 4- 4- 0
1990-99 78-36-1 7- 3- 0
2000-05 30-36-0 3- 1- 0
TOTAL 464-331-40 23-18-0
Undefeated Seasons: 4 (1954, 1958, 1978, 1991)
Winless Seasons: 0
Last District Championship: 1994 (Tri-Championship, 2002)
Last Playoff Appearance: 2005
Playoff Record: 20-22-1

[CelinaProud]

Nice stories P4S. Good to see both sides.

[N4SIR]

Originally posted by charlesrixey


i've spent most of the week over at smoaky listening to their incredibly unbiased and realistic ideas about the game
It's very comparable to listening to all the Celina "unbaised and realistic ideas about the game" on the 3adownlow.

[marler1972]

Originally posted by N4SIR
It's very comparable to listening to all the Celina "unbaised and realistic ideas about the game" on the 3adownlow.

It is nothing like over at Smoaky.

[LH Panther Mom]

Originally posted by N4SIR
It's very comparable to listening to all the Celina "unbaised and realistic ideas about the game" on the 3adownlow.
:thinking: :thinking: Hmmm, you might have a point.


Originally posted by marler1972
It is nothing like over at Smoaky.
Carthage is in EAST Texas. That just happens, coincidentally, to be an EAST Texas site. :p Just pretend that there were a NORTH of DFW site that had 1500 members, most, at this point, supporting the NORTH of DFW team and some Carthage folks joined. ;) Same difference :p

[jambo67]

East Texas posters remind me of the Saturday Night Liive skit with John Goodman..."Da Bears!" No matter who they are playing it's always "Da Bears." They always tout East Texas speed.. speed.. speed. A 4.4 forty in Carthage is a 4.4 in Celina. The Bobcats have plenty of speed and that cancels each others speed factor out. The best coach wins and I have no idea who that is. Unless one of the O-lines on one side can conk the D-line on the other side right over the head this game is in doubt.

[eagles_victory]

Originally posted by marler1972
It is nothing like over at Smoaky. There are way more Celina posters on Smoaky than Carthage posters on here.

[STANG RED]

When did Carthage drop to 3A?
We lost a 4A semi final to Carthage back in 95 at Texas Stadium. The best I can remember, they were a mid size 4A school at the time, and we were a small one. I just figured they must be a pretty big 3A now. Who is the D1 rep from their district?
I know I could look all this up, but I just figured someone on here already knows.

[mistanice]

Originally posted by STANG RED
When did Carthage drop to 3A?
We lost a 4A semi final to Carthage back in 95 at Texas Stadium. The best I can remember, they were a mid size 4A school at the time, and we were a small one. I just figured they must be a pretty big 3A now. Who is the D1 rep from their district?
I know I could look all this up, but I just figured someone on here already knows.

Jasper was the D1 rep. Last time I remember, Carthage was still 4a in 1998.

[navscanmaster]

I think Navasota played Carthage in 4A Bi-District in 1994. We won, and then lost to Jasper, minus our star running back Willie Carroll. That is the last time we played Carthage. We dropped to 4A in 2002, along with Carthage, Jasper, and Tyler Chapel Hill.