Carthage RB KJ Edwards (5'9, 185) earned Offensive MVP honors for the second consecutive year, though he was on crutches following the game. Texas A&M fans should not be concerned, as Edwards has been managing a minor ankle injury for much of the season and there is no indication of anything serious. Edwards is the first running back in Carthage history to rush for more than 6,000 career yards.

Staying in Carthage, the linebacker duo of 2026 LB Daquives Beck (6'1, 210) and 2026 LB Carson Crawford (6'2, 205) tormented the West Orange-Stark offense. Beck, who signed with Texas A&M, narrowly missed Defensive MVP honors after recording eight tackles, forcing a fumble, and adding a sack and a tackle for loss. Crawford, who signed with Colorado, finished with seven tackles and two tackles for loss and also scored a touchdown on offense. Both players lived up to their DCTX four-star billing.

Frisco Lone Star 2027 CB Bryant Robinson (6'2, 175) entered the day as one of the most heavily offered underclassmen in the state, holding 15 offers, including Clemson, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas Tech. He delivered a strong performance, making several plays in coverage, but truly stood out against the run with his physicality and tackling. Robinson has the size to match up with bigger receivers, and his ability as a tackler adds another layer to an already impressive profile.

Smithson Valley 2026 DE Hudson Woods (6'3, 230) set the tone for the defense, highlighted by a strip sack in the first half of the 5A Division I state championship game. The Rangers’ defense made a statement by shutting out a high-powered offense that had posted big numbers in the two weeks leading up to the title game. Woods, who signed with SMU, is a blue-collar defender who plays with a relentless motor. The DCTX Hot 100 member projects as a strong addition for the Mustangs.

Another Edwards in the Pipeline at Carthage

Carthage’s next wave of talent features several rising playmakers, but the most familiar name is Edwards.

2028 ATH JD Edwards (5'10, 155), the younger brother of five-star RB KJ Edwards, is already emerging as a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ future. Edwards has picked up early offers from Texas A&M, LSU and SMU.

“I learned to go hard in practice and to practice the way you play,” Edwards said of playing alongside his older brother. “I really admired him. He’s somebody I grew up watching and looking up to — he’s my role model.”

JD said KJ has also played an important role in preparing him for the recruiting process.

“He’s taught me to really focus on relationships — finding the coach and the program that shows you the most love and builds a real relationship with you,” Edwards said.

The Bulldogs also return 2027 WR Bryston Price, who holds offers from Arkansas, Arkansas State, Stephen F. Austin and Lamar and caught a touchdown pass in the state championship game, along with 2027 WR/TE Jaden Jeffress, who has already picked up an offer from UTSA.

“It’s going to take a lot of leadership with these younger guys,” Edwards said. “I trust what the coaches have planned for us, but it’s really about stepping up and being a leader for the program.”

2029 WR Leaves Mark on Stephenville's Title Season

Stephenville’s 3A Division I state title run was powered by a veteran defense, but one of the season’s most important developments came on offense with the emergence of 2029 WR Caden Monk (6'0, 160).

Monk quickly became a go-to target for quarterback Trot Jordan, finishing the season as the Yellow Jackets’ leading receiver. His arrival was immediate.

“On the first play of the first game, we ran a flea flicker and I scored a touchdown,” Monk said.

That moment set the tone for a breakout year. Monk points to former Stephenville standout Coy Eakin as a player he studied closely, and he is a Stephenville legend.

“My biggest strength is definitely my hands,” Monk said. “It’s been a great season. I came in not knowing what to expect. I knew I had the skills, but to put up the numbers I did, I’m just really blessed.”

Monk is in the early stages of the recruiting process. He said Texas Tech, where he camped over the summer, is a school of interest, and Georgia is another program he follows closely.

Mallory Hartley and Guy Frazier contributed to this report.