Arlington – Dominance.

It’s what Carthage displayed from the moment it stepped onto the field to the moment the Bulldogs stepped off it.

It’s what head coach Scott Surratt has drilled into the mindset of the Bulldogs, which led them to a 42-0 shutout win over Wimberley.

It’s what earned Surratt and Carthage their ninth state championship in the 4A Division II UIL State Championship on Friday.

Carthage's only blemish was a fumble on the opening drive. From there it was a cruise down East Street. In true Carthage fashion, they were able to force a fumble on Wimberley on the following drive. Then they put their quarterback-wide receiver duo on display when Connor Cuff and Noah Paddie combined for two touchdowns on back-to-back drives, one being a 50-yard shot and the other being a one-play drive with Cuff’s pass to Paddie for 82 yards.

Not the be outshined, the Carthage defense made their mark by only allowing 127 yards through the air compared to Carthage’s 298. They also forced four turnovers, two of which were caused by defensive MVP Jakerrian Roquemore who recorded an interception and showed off his strength to rip the ball from the hands of a Wimberley receiver which was then recovered by Zsema’d Williams. Deiontae Marry showed his presence on the defensive line with his 11 tackles and two quarterback hits.

The Bulldogs' offense finished their scintillating performance as the air raid sergeant and offensive MVP Cuff had 299 yards and four touchdowns to end the game. Kydarious Matlock rumbled on the ground for 82 yards while Larandion Dowden and Cuff each had a touchdown. Paddie had a superb stat line with his eight receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnny Ball tried to keep things moving for Wimberley and keep them in the game with his 105 yards on the ground.