3A-2A-1A title games: Can East Texas schools sweep to championships?

ByDennis Hall/Texas Football

CLASS 3A-DII STATE FINAL Graham (14-1), vs. Carthage (15-0)
6:00 Saturday at SMU's Ford Stadium
Graham has already won 11 more games this year than last year, and now the Steers will try to put the finishing touches on a storybook season by beating a powerhouse Carthage team that is going for back-to-back state championships. Graham is led by QB Case McCoy, younger brother of UT’s Colt McCoy and son of Graham coach Brad McCoy. Graham runs the Spread and has a multitude of offensive weapons, but the Steers struggled against a speedy East Texas team last week in a 27-20 win over Pittsburg. McCoy was only 10-of-25 passing and the Steers needed some help from Pittsburg in the form of turnovers to escape with the victory. This week’s challenge is bigger because Carthage is another East Texas power and is even bigger, stronger and faster. Carthage has a power running attack, led by RB O’Bryan Washington and QB Anthony Morgan. Carthage’s defense has made big plays to avert upsets, including a big fourth-down stop against Lorena in the regional final that allowed the Bulldogs to escape with a seven-point win. Carthage is the clear favorite here, but the Bulldogs will need to be on their game to hoist another championship trophy. Graham has never played in a title game.
Dennis Hall’s Prediction: Carthage 28, Graham 17
Jerry Forrest’s Prediction: Graham by 2