Built like family: Surratt legacy continues with Carthage’s third straight championship

CARTHAGE, Texas (KLTV) - The Carthage Bulldogs are state champions once again.

The Bulldogs claimed a third consecutive state championship Friday with a 49-21 victory over West Orange-Stark, setting the tone early behind the offense of KJ Edwards and quarterback Jett Surratt and sealing it with a physical, smash-mouth defensive effort.

Front and center was what many in Carthage call the program’s first family, head coach Scott Surratt and his loved ones. Another key figure in the celebration was Scott’s brother, Stan Surratt, who spoke with pride about the victory and what it means to the family and the city.

“It just means so much to Carthage,” Stan Surratt said. “But it’s special to our family because of my brother Scott. And of course Jett being the quarterback and a great player, so it’s pretty special in our family. It’s kind of an annual tradition now so it sets the season right with Carthage winning another state championship.”

For the Surratts, the title has become a familiar pre-Christmas gift, but one well-earned.

“Some of those years he didn’t win, it’s kind of a downer,” Stan Surratt said. “He’s won so many, we’ve got to be so proud of him. I know we’re proud for Carthage and we’re proud for East Texas. They’re just something special.”

Stan Surratt credited his brother’s success to hard work and total buy-in from the community.

“I don’t think it’s no secret,” he said. “I just think they outwork people. The community of Carthage, the school district is all in. They work all year to accomplish these state championships. It’s certainly working. And if Scott Surratt ain’t special, I don’t know who is.”

With another title secured, Carthage continues to build a championship tradition, one that has become an expected part of December in East Texas.