TheOldCoach Class 3A State Championship Insider
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Senior Analyst, TheOldCoach.com
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THEOLDCOACH CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INSIDER
Kilgore (14-0) vs. Carthage (14-1) Friday Noon AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Another All-East Texas title game in 3A Division I pits two schools who could potentially be placed in the same district in the next realignment. Both teams have multiple similarities in that they have the same school colors (red and white) and the same mascot in Bulldogs and they both were eliminated in the semi-finals last year.
Kilgore avenged their semi-final loss to Stephenville in impressive fashion with a 44-6 drubbing of the 'Jackets. Kilgore's defense led by DE D.Q. Scott completely shut Stephenville's high powered attack down, while their ground oriented attack was more than up to the task.
KHS ran for 478 yards of offense led by Kervin Justice who had 213 yards rushing and three touchdowns. When Kilgore does decide to throw the ball they'll look to speedy WR Aaron Foy. Carthage has a balanced offense with playmakers galore, the headliners are their two WR's both committed to North Texas in Terian Goree and Okerron Rutherford.
Last week in a 51-22 rout of previously undefeated LaGrange the duo combined for sixteen receptions and 285 yards and four touchdowns in the win. QB Blake Bogenschutz had 394 yards and six touchdown passes, while RB Tevin Pipkin ran for 113 yards and a score and also hauled in a 54 yard touchdown pass in the Carthage offensive ambush.
Carthage will find the going much tougher this week as Kilgore's defense which has the talent to contain Carthage, it'll be a war of attrition as on paper these two look evenly matched. Give the edge to Carthage because they've got numerous weapons and can beat KHS with the run or the pass.
Stepp's Pick: Carthage by 3
Argyle (15-0) vs. Fairfield (15-0) Friday 4:00pm AT&T Stadium, Arlington
This one is the only matchup of the weekend that pits a pair of 15-0 teams going at it. Argyle for most has been the most dominating team in 3A this year, yet somewhat quietly Fairfield broke the 3A single season scoring record this year. Argyle hasn't missed a beat since losing LB Sam Sizelove to an injury in Week 9, the Eagles defense has dominated and in last week's 38-14 win over Graham the AHS secondary had five interceptions which really was the story.
RB Nick Raulston has quietly had one of the best years in the state as he's run for over 1700 yards and 31 touchdowns. Texas Tech commit ATH Ian Sadler has accounted for 34 total touchdowns, there's just not much he can't do on the football field.
Fairfield blew past Sinton 56-13 as the Eagles speed was just too much for the Pirates to overcome. RB Larry Rose was one of four different Eagles to reach the end zone as he led the way with 107 rushing yards and four touchdowns, running his total to 50 on the season. The Eagles defense which doesn't get headlines is fast and they do nothing but fly around led by Colorado State commit Bryson Gates.
Both teams come in unbeaten, but Fairfield's gotten the benefit of a much softer schedule. Argyle's battle tested against teams like Fort Worth Nolan, Abilene Wylie, Celina, Gilmer and Graham. Fairfield really has just one eye opening win and that was against Navasota. Argyle's big game experience pays off in a big way this week.
Stepp's Pick: Argyle by 11
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