Defense Ignites Carthage's 41-6 Defeat of North Forest

PORTER -- Behind a dominating defensive effort, the Carthage Bulldogs rolled to a 41-6 victory over Houston North Forest, Friday night in their Class 4A Division I, Region III area-around playoff at Texan Drive Stadium.

Carthage (9-2) will meet arch-rival Henderson (11-1) in a rematch of the Lions' 36-28 district win in the regional semifinals. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Friday from Longview's Lobo Stadium.

The Bulldogs limited North Forest (8-4) to just 108 yards of offense in the rout.

Carthage raced to a 27-0 halftime lead on the strength of touchdowns runs from Keaontay Ingram, Mekhi Colbert, and Brewster Griffith, along with a scoring toss from quarterback Kason Davis.

The Bulldogs scored twice in the second half on a 56-yard run by Ingram and Nic Moore's 30-yard interception return.

Ingram finished the night with 133 yards and the two touchdowns on 15 carries.