36phseal

I wouldn't ever play another game at Midlothian. They were not prepared at all for the game last Saturday night. I heard a Carthage fan complain about it as well. They couldn't have put any less leg room and I think the rows were about 40 seats long. If you had to sit in the middle of the row, it took forever to get out of there. They opened one men's restroom and one women's that was by the concession stand. They could have opened the concession stand and restrooms on the other side, but didn't feel the need. As far Midlothian, it looks like a great complex, but whoever planned it for you, spent more time making sure the pressbox was the best around, but the convenience for the fans was secondary. It was nice to not have a track, which brought you closer to the game, but you could have allowed for a little room for the cheerleaders to not have to back into the players. The coaches and players don't need you on top of them during the game. You would have been best served by looking at Waller's setup. Of all the stadiums we played at this year, and that includes Texas State, I would have to say that Waller was the best of all and Judson a close second. Good luck Carthage!

Nellie, Good post and example of gracious winner. I have to give props to your defense. You do have athletes over there, but alot of teams have athletes, but your coaches definetely do a good job scheming. It wasn't as simple as getting #9 the ball as stated earlier. If we put 2 receivers out, ya'll put three out to cover. If LG put 3, Carthage would have four defending. That should have dictated that LG run the ball, which they attempted to do (successfully on the first drive) but the Carthage DL took control after that. When your offense started putting points on the board, LG could no longer be patient and had to try to run the verticle passing game, which takes time in the pocket. Your DL never gave him the time to throw until it was in the 4th quarter. I had said earlier that alot of teams shake their head and wonder how LG beat them because they just don't have the big/athletic looking players...and I'm sure you were thinking the same thing before the game. That "heart" was what made the score closer than what the game actually was when LG was able to score at the end. Your offense is a no-nonsense, low-risk, time consuming offense, which will take the wind out of defense. On your first drive, LG really got the best of Carthage. A fake punt, the assistance of a couple of personal foul face mask penalties, and the QB not being "on", led me to believe that LG might be able to play with Carthage. And then when LG drove to within the 20, I thought that it was going to be a typical LG game that would go back and fourth. Wrong. I think it must have been Carthage taking LG a little lightly and turned it up a notch. Only problem with LG is that they really didn't have another notch to move up. As far the player that gave the cheap shots, I never saw it, but I'm not going to say it didn't happen. There's always seems to be one that can't control himself. I did see on 2-3 occasions that a Carthage player, both on offense and defense, would issue a blindside shot on an unsuspecting LG player, as the whistle blew. If it was for getting back at a player that you mentioned earlier, then I'll give it a pass. He deserved it. Again, that's one or two players and but I thought it was uncalled for. On a final note, it takes more than good athletes to win. The offensive and defensive scheme that Carthage has calls for discipline and execution. Kudos to your players and for your coaches for providing the avenue for such discipline. I was impressed with the graciousness of your players after the victory. For LG, you have nothing to be ashamed of. There is no way that anyone thought that you should have made it this far. I think it's funny that other teams in your district still won't give you props for going as far as you did. "They were lucky to even be in the playoffs." and "They didn't play anybody good in the playoffs." Well, if it were that easy, why didn't they do it? I got news for you. LG has the spirit and desire that many towns don't. I laughed when I would hear 40 something year olds singing their school song at the top of their lungs. Football is a way of life in LG, and I, a non-LG grad, was grateful to be a part of it for awhile. I've got to get me one of those propane tanks! If you didn't hear, a drunk driver hit one of our chartered "fan" buses on the way home Saturday night. It hit it on the side, spun the bus around, which caused it to hit the front of another one of our buses. From what I heard, all walked away without injury. I've not heard anything otherwise. It did cause many to get home in the early morning hours. Band buses actually pulled over and shared their bus until another could get there. I'm glad all were safe. Good luck Bulldogs!

Hey Charmin! I had to laugh at your response. Yes, I feel better now.

I wasn't accusing any one in particular. To the victor goes the spoils. I'll just be honest and say that if you win, you don't need me to make you feel good about your team...so don't expect it. Congrats to Carthage and LG for making it this far. I think that it's impressive that both teams are in the final four with a chance to win a second state championship in this decade. Freakin' Bellville is looking for their first...ever....and here are two teams going for their second. Carthage going for two in a row and LG looking to play in a state championship game for the 3rd time in 9 years, with one ring already have been won. LG may not have the "East Texas" talent that Carthage does...but they have something going for them. Success breads success. Both are living proof.

Too much trash talking by "non-essentials" when it comes to how the game is played. What is it about people on boards like this that want the losers to come back on and give "what is due." They don't owe you squat. It's like your not satisfied unless the loser comes back for some humility. Give me a break. Just be happy with the win and the boys will get the congrats from the other team. You're a fan on a message board.....you haven't done anything to earn a pat on the back after a win, unless you count your smack talk, worthy of such praise. Support your team, brag on your players, and get excited about the game tomorrow night. I know that I am. But quit getting your feelings hurt if I don't agree with you and ask me to apologize for my actions if you happen to be the winner. There's no doubt that Carthage should have the edge in this game. If you win, you should have. LG will have to play out of their minds and capitalize on any Carthage mistakes, if there are any. I would expect Carthage to line up and run right at LG and use play action passes for the big plays. LG will have to take some risk to be able to stop them which might open up some big plays in the running game. Athletic ability, Carthage has the edge. But don't count out LGs fight. It's the "it" factor that I think LG will have in their favor. I've not seen Carthage play this year, so I'm only speculating. I would also be surprised if Carthage has faced a QB this year such as the one from LG. He's throws a beautiful ball and has two outstanding receivers to go with it. I can see Carthage getting to him early with pressure, but will slow down as the game wears on. Carthage will have to jump on them early and hold them off. LG gets better as the game progresses. Last week surprised me though when Sinton took it to LG late in the game. So it is possible that LG could wear down too. Here's to a competitive game that's free from injury. I'm expecting a Carthage win...but really hoping for a LG victory. Go Leps!

You better be in shape if your going to use it. Because you will be sore for awhile if you haven't ever used one. ha.

I've been to several La Grange games this year and it's hard to find something negative to say about the boys. If your expecting a team to come in trash talking and unsportsmanlike....your going to be disappointed. They are the definition of over achievers and playing beyond their talent level/expectations. They will play extremely hard but not a trash talker in the group, except for a few "dads" in the stands. The way you describe Coach Surratt is the same way we describe Coach Walker. Coach Walker has to be one of the most humble coaches I've ever witnessed, with a low-key demeanor. I'm sure if you hear him talk, you would think he was one of you. He has the twang that would make any East Texan proud. I needed to set some of you straight on what LG is all about. I can't pull against them because they battle so hard....and at the end....most oppenents, win or lose, look at the LG team, shake their head, and give them props. They are a fun team to watch and you can't help but respect what they have accomplished. It's rediculous to compare stats and try to measure opponents. Both LG and Carthage have played some impressive teams and both have earned the right to be called "superior" by what they have both accomplished in their own way. I hope that the trip doesn't disappoint by way of a close game. I would love to see an exciting game with good crowd support for both teams. Don't let a high school kid, that doesn't even play, influence you on what to expect from the LG players.