GAME PREVIEW

Defending state champion Waco LaVega puts its 11-game playoff winning streak on the line against the team that last defeated them in the playoffs, the Carthage Bulldogs, who have won six state titles since 2008.

Neither team comes into this game in top form as La Vega only defeated Springtown, 27-14, last week despite a plus-six turnover margin. The Pirates were dominated in nearly every statistical category, but two defensive touchdowns in the first half keyed the Pirates to a big lead, which they preserved with a strong performance in the second half.

Carthage’s defense didn’t put up great numbers last week, but it had a pair of interception returns for touchdowns that proved to be huge in a 49-42 win over Lampasas. The Bulldogs’ offense struggled in the first half with just one offensive score, but they scored on all four second half drives with Kelvontay Dixon’s game winning touchdown catch coming with under a minute left in the game. Dixon finished with 146 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while junior QB Kai Horton threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns.

This game will be an absolute war in the trenches as both teams have elite physicality and quickness up front and elite team speed at the skill positions.

These two are even on paper. This one comes down to adjustments in the second half and maybe a new wrinkle or two that’s introduced this week. Both head coaches have excelled in these situations in the past, but Scott Surratt is 6-for-6 in state title games, which is flat out incredible. 

Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 2

- Matt Stepp

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PLAYERS TO WATCH

Waco La Vega

Senior LB DeMarrquese Hayes (HUDL): The Kansas State commit is a head-hunter with sideline-to-sideline ability. He chose the Wildcats over offers from Houston, New Mexico, Texas State, Tulsa and UTEP.

Junior RB/WR Jar'Que Walton (HUDL): You can't teach speed, which is something Walton has plenty of. He showed that burst and the ability to break tackles on an 83-yard TD run against Springtown.

Junior RB Elisha Cummings (HUDL): Similar to Walton, Cummings has more speed than should be allowed. Like Walton, he has the ability to break games open on every play. He's had several touchdowns this week of over 50 yards.

Carthage

Senior OT Ty'kieast Crawford (HUDL): The 6-foot-5, 335-pound tackle is one of the best linemen in the country. A four-star recruit, Crawford has offers from Arkansas, LSU, Texas A&M, Baylor, and Alabama to name a few.

Senior ATH Kelvontay Dixon (HUDL): Dixon came up huge with a game-winning reception last week. It's because of moments like those that schools like Texas, Arkansas, Baylor and Colorado have offered the 6-foot, 180-pound back.

Senior DE Quinton Owens (HUDL): The Sam Houston State commit is long, lean and a terror to block off the edge. 

- William Wilkerson

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PREDICTIONS

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TEPPER'S PICK

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