Carthage Bulldogs
Head Coach: Scott Surratt (20th season; 249-31 record)
Last Season: 16-0; 5-0 in district (Defeated West Orange-Stark in 4A Division II State Title Game)
Carthage Key Players and Storylines
Eleven state titles in 18 years. It has been an incredible run for the Carthage Bulldogs, and it’s one that shows no signs of slowing down.
This year, the Bulldogs are out for a threepeat. Offensively, the backfield has to replace over 3,000 rushing yards and over 3,700 passing yards. However, the Bulldogs’ new starting quarterback will have no shortage of weapons in the passing attack. 6’3″, 200-pound senior Jaden Jeffress (809 receiving yards and ten touchdowns) is a mobile tight end, while junior receiver JD Edwards (738 receiving yards and six touchdowns) is a highly-touted three-star prospect. They’ll lead a deep receiving corps that also includes Stephen F. Austin commit Bryston Price (469 receiving yards and seven touchdowns) and junior Jace Harris.
Jr Season loading 🤫⏳⌛️📈 #Ath #EdwardsBoyz #GodsPlan #DawgNation pic.twitter.com/5MxfMF9uFG
— JD EDWARDS (@JdEdwards2028) April 15, 2026
Up front, mammoth 6’4″, 330-pound tackle Vernon Pittman and 6’2″, 280-pound center Cooper Walters are both returning first team all-district honorees.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will be dangerous in the trenches with edge rushers Caleb Smith (76 tackles, 17 TFLs) and Andric Kindle (57 tackles, 18 TFLs). Expect Edwards (29 tackles, two INTs) and Harris (52 tackles and five INTs) to both contribute in the secondary as well while middle linebacker Ethen Portley (39 tackles) is a returning second team all-district selection.
The Bulldogs have plenty of talent to build around again this fall. There’s no doubt 4A Division II will have to run through Carthage as it seeks a remarkable 12th state title.
Carthage Bulldogs 2026 Football Schedule
*Denotes District 8-4A Division II Contest
8/28 @ Henderson
9/4 vs. Pine Tree
9/18 vs. Spring Legacy
9/25 @ West Orange-Stark
*10/9 @ Pittsburg
*10/16 @ Spring Hill
*10/23 vs. Pleasant Grove
*10/30 @ Gilmer
*11/6 @ Center
