Game Day ? A look at the Carthage Bulldogs

Friday at 11:00 a.m. the 14-1 Kennedale Wildcats will take the field against the defending 4A state champions 15-0 Carthage Bulldogs. Carthage is hoping to add a 6th title in the last ten years. Kennedale is going for it?s first title in school history. {{more: continue …}}

On first glance this seems to be a case of David versus Goliath but a closer look at their records and stats and the two teams are really playing on a fairly level play field more than you would think.

Take overall offense stats ??

• Carthage has rolled up 6,707 total yards with 3,204 on the ground and 3,503 through the air for an average of 447.1 per game ? 213.6 rushing and 233.5 passing
• Kennedale has accumulative 6,990 total yards in offense with 5,980 on the ground and 1,005 passing for average of 466 yards per game ? 399 rushing and 67 passing.

Points for and against ?

• Kennedale has scored 817 points and allowed just 265 points this season which average out to 54.5 points per game for and 17.7 points against.
• Carthage has scored 696 points and allowed 306 this season which averages out to 46.4 points per game for and 20.4 points against.

Opponents records ?

• Kennedale?s opponents this season have a cumulative record of 96-79 (.549).
• Carthage?s opponents this season have a cumulative record of 91-72 (.558).

Defense ?

• Kennedale has forced 32 turnovers ? 16 interceptions and 16 fumbles.
• Carthage has forced 38 turnovers ? 20 interceptions and 18 fumbles.

Playmakers ?

• Kennedale has a two running backs that have combined for over 4,391 yards rushing and 75 TDs, Jaden Knowles (2200 yards, 12.1 ave and 34 TDs) and DJ Kirven (2191 yards, 10.7 and 41 TDs).
• Carthage has three players that have combined for 4,455 yards and 70 TDs, running back Keaontay Ingram (2,164, 9.7 ave, 34 TDs) and two receivers Dee Bowens (1,270 yards, 22 touchdown) and Dewaylon Ingram (1,021 yards, 14 touchdowns).

Cathage has to figure out how to slow down Kennedale?s running game and Kennedale has to trip up one of the best running backs that they have faced this season and slow a solid passing game. This one could be a toss-up.

Heart is with Kennedale and look for Kennedale to pull off the upset playing with a lot of heart.