CARTHAGE -- The  Carthage Bulldogs converted critical Lindale turnovers into two scores in the early part of the third period to hold off a feisty Eagles club for a 22-13 win Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.

Carthage wide receiver Jakeldric Jackson pulls down a catch from quarterback Jarod Blissett on Friday night against Lindale. (Bud Worley, ETSN.fm)
Carthage wide receiver Jakeldric Jackson pulls down a catch from quarterback Jarod Blissett on Friday night against Lindale. (Bud Worley, ETSN.fm)
loading...

The Bulldogs, who were upset by Hallsville last week, 52-30, had all they wanted with the Eagles, who owned a 7-0 lead throughout most of the first half before two fumbled kickoffs in the third period proved to be their undoing.

Lindale, which toppled Chapel Hill last week, is now 1-1 on the season and hosts Van in its homecoming game next week. Carthage welcomes Nacogdoches.

Lindale’s defense was up to the task of facing Carthage in the first half and kept a firm grip on a 7-0 lead, which ironically, was provided by a turnover from Carthage on its first play of the game.

Lindale quarterback Kam Neely looks for an open receiver against Carthage on Friday night. (Bud Worley, ETSN.fm)
Lindale quarterback Kam Neely looks for an open receiver against Carthage on Friday night. (Bud Worley, ETSN.fm)
loading...

Carthage junior quarterback Jarod Blissett found his passing rhythm in the second quarter and into the third period to help the Bulldogs tie the game at 7-7 with just four seconds left in the half.

Lindale’s Aaron Jackson, again the offensive workhorse for the Eagles, plowed over from 3 yards out to help his team claim a 7-0 lead with just over nine minutes left in the first period.

The Eagles defense stiffened time and again throughout the half, until Blissett led a 65-yard scoring drive in the waning moments of the first half. On third-and-goal from the 4, Blissett found Ke’Andre Starling for the tying touchdown.

Lindale fumbled the opening kickoff of the third period, but again the Eagles defense held, giving the offense the ball at the Lindale 8. But Carthage marched back down field with Mykel Gates scoring from the 8.

Another fumbled kickoff provided a short field for the Bulldogs. On first down at the Lindale 6, Blissett found sophomore Brewster Griffith with the scoring pass.

The Eagles made a game of it with 8:56 left as quarterback Kam Neely hooked up with Kolton Pierce for a 45-yard score.

Carthage wide receiver Kirston Ingram shakes off a Lindale defender after catching a pass on Friday night in Carthage. (Bud Worley, ETSN.fm)
Carthage wide receiver Kirston Ingram shakes off a Lindale defender after catching a pass on Friday night in Carthage. (Bud Worley, ETSN.fm)
loading...

More From East Texas Sports Network