Carthage (3-0) at West Orange-Stark (3-1)

It’s a rematch of last year’s 4A-Division II state championship game as Carthage brings their 34-game winning streak down to the Golden Triangle to take on West Orange-Stark.

Carthage put together an impressive homecoming performance last week as they rolled past Spring Legacy, 41-14.

QB Jacob Dixon tossed five touchdown passes, including two each to Bryston Price and J.D. Edwards, and the Bulldogs defense looked to be in mid-season form.

If there’s one thing to watch for Carthage it is development of the ground game; that side of the Carthage offense still looks to be a work in progress.

West Orange-Stark started the season out strong, but last week the Mustangs stumbled on the road losing to Bay City, 18-7.

The Mustangs defense played well in containing an explosive Bay City attack, but the WOS offensive line really struggled all night and the BCHS defense did an excellent job containing star WOS RB Khelvy Jefferson, who found the end zone via a reception.

Last year’s state title game was a 49-21 Carthage win and the game wasn’t that close; it was 49-0 going into the fourth quarter before some window dressing. With this game being in Orange, I expect Carthage is going to be walking into one of the most hostile environments they’ve ever seen, but will that be enough to phase the 11-time state champions who hold the state’s longest winning streak at the 11-man level?

I think this one is close, but Carthage on the strength of the offensive diversity and knowing how to attack WOS is the key.

Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 6