Edwards Explodes, Carthage Claims 4A-II Crown with 28–14 Win Over La Vega
ARLINGTON — When Carthage needed a spark, Kelwin Edwards lit the fire. The senior back ripped through Waco La Vega’s defense for 188 rushing yards and two second-quarter touchdowns, powering the Bulldogs to a 28–14 victory Friday afternoon at AT&T Stadium in the Class 4A Division II state championship.
Second-Quarter Takeover
The game tilted in Carthage’s favor during a dominant second quarter. Edwards broke loose for a 21-yard score, then electrified the crowd with an 86-yard sprint to the house, giving the Bulldogs (15–1) momentum they never relinquished.
Aerial Finish
Quarterback Jett Surrant kept the Bulldogs rolling in the fourth quarter, finding Junior Henderson for touchdown strikes of 24 and 19 yards. Henderson hauled in four passes for 77 yards, a game-high, as Carthage sealed the win with back-to-back scoring drives through the air.
Pirates Push Back
La Vega (12–4) fought to keep pace, getting rushing touchdowns from Jayven Henderson and Kourtney Parr. Bryson Roland was the workhorse, pounding out 94 yards on 20 carries. But every time the Pirates found life, Carthage’s defense responded with relentless pressure.
Defensive Domination
The Bulldogs’ front seven wreaked havoc, recording seven sacks. Linebacker Carson Crawford led the charge with 2.5, setting the tone in a game where Carthage’s defense matched the offense’s explosiveness.
Bottom Line: Edwards’ long runs set the stage, Surrant and Henderson delivered the knockout punches, and Carthage celebrated yet another state championship with a 28–14 victory that showcased both firepower and ferocity.
