Carthage (15-0) vs. West Orange-Stark (12-3), 3 p.m. Friday at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium

It’s a battle of storied programs as Carthage, which holds a 31-game winning streak, seeks their second straight title and 11th crown in school history as they take on surprising West Orange-Stark, which is playing in their ninth title game and first since 2017.

Carthage had no problems roaring past previously undefeated Brock in a 49-21 romp that wasn’t as close as the score indicates. Texas A&M signee KJ Edwards ran for two scores, while QB Jett Surratt connected with Mississippi State signee Keymian Henderson for a pair of touchdown passes. Sophomore ATH Jace Harris had a touchdown run and an interception on the defensive side of the ball for the Bulldogs, who led 42-7 in the third quarter before taking their foot off the gas.

West Orange-Stark got off to a rocky start early in the year at 2-3, but they’ve righted the ship with 10 straight wins, including a dominant 28-3 win over Sinton last week. RB Khelvy Jefferson continues to power WOS in the playoffs as he tallied three rushing touchdowns, and the tough Mustangs defense absolutely smothered a powerful Sinton attack.

Both teams are battle tested, but WOS is wading into the deepest of 4A water in facing Carthage and head coach Scott Surratt in a title game; Surratt is 10-0 as a head coach at UIL State and most of the games haven’t been close.

WOS has an elite defense that can keep them in it, but the offense is very one-dimensional at the moment as it’s Jefferson or bust and I just can’t see that working with any type of sustained success against Carthage. WOS keeps it close for a half, but the defense wears down in the second half and Carthage gets that 11th title.

Stepp’s Pick: Carthage 41, West Orange-Stark 21

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Carthage

Sr. RB KJ Edwards - The No. 1 running back in the state and a five-star recruit, Edwards is worth the price of admission by himself. He can beat you in between the tackles or our of the backfield as a receiver. There's simply no stopping the Texas A&M signee.

Sr. QB Jett Surratt - The son of legendary Carthage head coach Scott Surratt, Jett has been spearheading the Bulldogs offense for what seems like an eternity. He led Carthage to a state title as a junior after throwing for 3,378 yards and 53 TDs. It's been much of the same this season. He has a quick release and rarely makes mistakes.

Sr. LB Carson Crawford - The emotional leader for the Bulldogs' stout defense, Crawford is a head-hunter downhill in the run game. His best attribute, though, could be his ability to drop back in coverage and pick off passes. The Colorado signee also splits out wide and plays receiver.

West Orange-Stark

Jr. RB Khelvy Jefferson - The heartbeat of the Mustangs' attack is a 5-foot-3, 150-pound wrecking ball that boasts a 550-pound squat and 330-pound bench. So, please, judge his size at your own risk. You'll be in for a rude awakening. He has the heart of a lion... and colleges are taking notice. He scored on runs of 66, 64 and 42 yards in the state semifinals.

Jr. DB Ja'Cuincy Walker - Whenever Carthage does go to the air, the Bulldogs will have to account for where Walker is located. He picked off his fourth pass on the season with an incredible INT at the goal line last week against Sinton. He had a game-changing pick-six in the regional finals against Waco La Vega too. Whenever the ball is in the air, Walker is sure to be close by.

Sr. OL Jadyn Rhodes - Rhodes' first priority will be to open up running lanes for Jefferson, but if the game starts going in Carthage's favor the McNeese State signee will have to slow down the Bulldogs' pass rush. If anyone can, it's Rhodes, who is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds.

- William Wilkerson

PREDICTIONS

THE PICK