In Carthage, Texas, the excitement of Friday night lights is already building. Head coach Scott Surratt, who holds an unmatched eleven state titles in Texas high school football, is preparing the Bulldogs for the start of the 2026 season on August 28.
Coach Surratt’s Vision
“There’s nothing like seeing the guys get to play their first Friday night,” Surratt said. “I’m excited to see the look in their eyes as they come out of the tunnel. That’s what makes every year special.” The veteran coach, now in his 20th year with the Bulldogs, emphasized that the challenge each season is to improve the players daily and to keep the program’s winning tradition alive.
Junior Leaders Step Up
With fewer than a dozen starters returning from the previous title‑winning team, juniors Andric Kindle and Jacob Dixon are ready to fill the leadership void. Dixon, the junior quarterback, expressed a fierce determination: “I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve got to make it back. If we lose, it’s a failure.” Defensive lineman Kindle added, “I want it to keep going forever. I’ve basically been here all my life, and I just want to keep getting better and winning.”
Preparing Through Competition
Earlier this month, the Bulldogs faced a scrimmage against Mesquite. Surratt noted that while the team appeared “a little bit behind,” the coaching staff is focused on sharpening fundamentals and getting the roster ready for the season’s challenges. “Every year I’m excited for the challenge to get our guys better every day. That’s what great coaches do, and I’ve got great coaches on my staff,” he said.
Community Support and Tradition
The Carthage community has long rallied around its high school football program, viewing the sport as a cornerstone of local identity and family pride. Parents and alumni alike anticipate the August 28 kickoff, a night that traditionally brings together families, church groups, and longtime supporters of the Bulldogs.
As the Bulldogs prepare to step onto the field, the blend of seasoned coaching, youthful enthusiasm, and community backing sets the stage for another memorable season in Carthage’s proud football history.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
