Pleasant Grove’s remarkable run finally met its match Friday night. After ripping off eight straight wins, the Hawks stumbled in a physical playoff showdown, falling to Carthage 34 to 20 and slipping to an 11 and 2 record. It was a familiar matchup with a familiar outcome, as Carthage once again proved to be the roadblock that Pleasant Grove could not overcome.
Carthage Shows Why They Are Still Unbeaten
The Bulldogs pushed their perfect season to 13 and 0, and once again their defense set the tone. Carthage has smothered opponents all year, giving up just over thirteen points per game, and they delivered another steady, suffocating performance that kept the Hawks from ever seizing momentum.
Edwards Runs Wild Again
Offensively, Carthage leaned on the unstoppable force that has carried them through the past month. Running back Kj Edwards delivered another monster outing, hammering Pleasant Grove for one hundred ninety seven yards and three touchdowns at a clip of more than ten yards per carry. It marked his fourth straight contest with at least one hundred eighty five rushing yards, further cementing him as one of the most dangerous ball carriers in the state.
Looking Ahead
Pleasant Grove now turns the page on an impressive campaign, while Carthage marches on with championship aspirations fully intact. The Bulldogs will face Athens at seven o’clock on Friday, and they will have to brace for a Hornets team that has topped thirty one points in each of its last eleven games.
